A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Hobs and Ovens & Hobs provide an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs that come with between four and six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.

Types of hobs

Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a complete kitchen appliance where you can bake and roast food). It is used to cook various meals and for this reason it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.

Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a frameless, flat design that enhances the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each operated independently by a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, making them popular with chefs. They are also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there is a leak. They can be less efficient than electric or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan's supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob and have been used for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that has gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.

Induction hobs heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, as they don't have an open flames and are easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

A gas hob is a common option for home cooks due to its quick heating capabilities and simple control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some have a visible flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is on or off.

They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, which makes them perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.

You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The latter are the better choice for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen since they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to put in and could require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pan of water to the boiling point in no time.

Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off gas supply once the flame goes out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally igniting an fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.

It's worth mentioning that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when in use. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the usual features of traditional gas models but emit no CO2 whatsoever while operating.

Electric hobs

A common option for kitchens of every style, electric hobs offer a range of advantages over other kinds of cookers. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families who have children, as they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily replaced in the event of damage.

Unlike traditional plate hobs, which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system that heats directly the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used for any cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs over the long term due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.

It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. It is also essential to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour since this could represent an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is that there is a problem. Make sure that the hob has cooled completely before cleaning to avoid severe damage. This will also help stop any accidental fires or spills!

Hobs with induction

The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models come with safety features such as automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.

Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. A pan that is compatible with induction must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core, and the magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for efficiency. Many report an improvement in their overall energy costs when they change to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get extremely hot.

The majority of induction hobs have various control options that are the simplest being the simple power bar or touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display which displays all options and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers, and more. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan size and shape.

All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units to create sleek and seamless design. Our entire range of products ranges from slick black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.