A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it a sleek and modern feel. Shop our entire oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up with a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake things in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook all manner of meals, and as such, it's important that you choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who likes precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones, each of which is operated independently by a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing the sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heat and provide precise control. Gas hobs are also safer because they have built-in safety mechanisms for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. However, they are less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs 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're inexpensive, but they're not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not evenly distribute heat across the whole surface.
Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating 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 electric or gas hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a popular option for home cooks due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You can usually find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some hobs come with a visual indicator that informs you whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice since they can be moved easily. However, they are difficult to install and could require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have sleek, stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Certain models come with touch-sensitive controls, and some even feature the power boost feature, which enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame is gone, so you don't risk accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
It's important to note that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. Fortunately, there are models that don't release any CO2 while they're in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a conventional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice for 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 after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cheaper to run than gas models.
Most often found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs offer an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. They are also a good option for families with children since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be repaired if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to 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. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs, but they'll help you save money on energy costs over the long term because of their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. It is also essential to look for any indications of gas odour as this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the stove is turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will also help to avoid accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a contemporary alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They use magnets instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and help save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use because the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates the magnetic field for heating. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many have reported reductions in their overall energy bills when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas stoves, which can become very hot and can pose a fire danger.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic is an easy touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all the here options, and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Induction hobs with more advanced technology come with many copper coils of varying sizes that are grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil is able to detect when the pan is placed. It then activates the required coil to fit the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Make sure to check out our other appliances, too, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.