Types of Ovens
The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted a chicken. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to choose from such as electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take some time to heat up or cool down. They only work with pans that have flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic whilst remaining easy to use. Ceramic hobs function by employing heating elements underneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a range of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones, with the majority featuring a black glazed finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wipe down in one go. You can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for those with children or elderly relatives in the house. Most of the time, they have rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator of residual heat which warns you when an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the oven.
They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. As with induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the contact surface with the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans if they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It is essential to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically integrated into kitchen units or countertops. It has a variety of burners which can be lit manually using matches or lighters and controlled with knobs that allow you to control the heat level during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
The drawbacks of gas hobs are that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.
Another popular option is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans which allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's a great choice for those looking to create a sleek and modern kitchen. It is important to know that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan designs where they can serve as the focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Hobs induction
A popular choice for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnet field that causes an electric current to pass through its base. This creates heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they're gas or electric. They only heat the space where a pan is placed which means less the amount of waste and energy used. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety function that shuts off the hob in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to the knob on a traditional cooker and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are an alternative option. They have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs come with integrated extractors that work with the hood to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and to prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are usually activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once a pan is placed over a cooking area.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, but you should always check the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is suitable prior to buying the latest model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with smaller kitchens but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zones of ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.
The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs utilize electrical elements that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are simple to use, cheap and durable. However, they do take a while to warm up and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other hob types.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which utilizes a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob a quick and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less efficient than other types of hob.
Best ovens UK are a brand new and becoming more popular type of hob making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat-style design seamlessly blending into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless appearance and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preferences.
Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which warn you if the hob is hot to contact and could cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.