Types of Ovens
Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, whether you're cooking the kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob types to choose from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up or cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek design and are also easy to operate. They function by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have a black glazed surface that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use most common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives in the home. Most of the time, they have the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and an indicator for residual heat that warns you when the area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than a basic electric cooker but cheaper than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those that don't have gas installed at their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs but only if the cookware you use has a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and could cause fire dangers in the future. It's a small price to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen unit or countertop. The burners can be lit manually using matches or a lighter. They are controlled with knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat when compared to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
The downsides of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Another option that is popular is an induction hob that makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing the water to boil faster than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models, and is the ideal choice for those looking to add a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to note that this type can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional option that's ideal for kitchens that are larger and open-plan layouts, where it can be used as the focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is usually fitted by professionals who are able to handle the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that can present dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils that, when a compatible pan is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This generates heat which 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, whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the area where a pan is placed, which reduces energy consumption and waste. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the appliance off if there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This reduces waste.
Induction models, such as gas hobs, come with various control options including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level with one simple movement. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be turned to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, which are usually found on more expensive induction models, with more advanced features, are a different option. These have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.
Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated which work with the hood in order to eliminate smoke and steam from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated through an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when the pan is placed over a cooking area.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to function. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to create the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs. However, you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is suitable prior to buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a smaller kitchen, but need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest type of hobs. They utilize sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. However, they can take a bit of time to warm up and cool down and are more expensive to run than other hob models.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. the full details is made up of rows of with halogen lamps that sit on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive because the bulbs glow quickly and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and are susceptible to damage by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other hob types However, they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern choice, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and the ability to have dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators that will warn you if the hob is too hot to contact and could cause burns. A pause function may temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is helpful if you have to leave the kitchen.