20 Things Only The Most Devoted Hobs Fans Understand
A Guide to Ovens and Hobs Hobs and ovens provide a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now. Electric hobs are heated by various cooking rings, which can have anywhere from four to six power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down. Hobs in various types Every home should have the kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter is a complete kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's important to choose the right hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob that will meet your requirements. Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a frameless, flat design that improves the elegant appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones, each of which is controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another which is ideal for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down. Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's leak. They are less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also harder to clean because of the pan supports and stove burners. Plate hobs are the traditional form of the hob and have been around for decades. They have a flat top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron as they don't evenly distribute heat across the entire surface. Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. Best ovens than gas or electric hobs and can take longer to heat up and cool down. Gas hobs Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. There are usually models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or not. They heat food faster than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources. You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The former are a better option when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to install and could require you to rip out your carpentry work. This isn't a good choice for every home. Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and an energy boost feature that allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in no time. Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off the gas supply once the flame goes out. This means that you don't have to worry about accidentally starting the fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for a variety of cooking techniques. It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't release any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. They are referred to as “zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the features that are typical of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 at all while operating. Electric hobs A popular option for kitchens of all styles, electric hobs offer numerous advantages over other types of cookers. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left after the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models. Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those with children, as they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired in the event of damage. Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money in the long run due to their high efficiency. It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls and regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas smells, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid serious damage make sure that the stove is shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills! Hobs with induction A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to prevent accidents. Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans. Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get very hot. The majority of induction hobs have various control options that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar on the top of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all options, and lets you alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect when you place your pan. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's shape and size. All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Make sure to check out our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning just as it should.