A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs are heated by different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere between four and six power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance that you roast and bake food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook all manner of meals and for this reason it's crucial to select the best hob to suit your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using an individual dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another which is ideal for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there's an issue with the gas. They can be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and they are more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for a long time. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not ideal for cast-iron cookware, and they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer since there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. There are usually models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that informs you whether the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a provider that produces renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because you can move them easily. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to rip out the finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't release any CO2 while they're in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a standard gas model while emitting no CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also cook more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. They're also a great option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric stoves, however they can save you money in the long run because of their efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, as well as regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It is also essential to watch for any indications of gas odour since this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's advisable to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help stop accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They use a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible pans need to have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, reducing the risk of burns, and it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become extremely hot.
Most induction hobs come with various control options, the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display that shows all the options, and lets you alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils that are tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units for sleek and seamless design. Our full range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure you take a look at our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.