The Ultimate Guide To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are several different types of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Find features such as rotary control, touch or position. These allow you to control the heating zones by the press of a button and prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is susceptible to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good condition and functioning efficiently.
The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated by control knobs. Certain models feature radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Some models use Halogen elements that are more efficient. They heat the entire surface in successive pulses.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the touch. ovensandhobs can prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic cooktop. It is essential that your pans have flat bottoms since this helps ensure even heating and helps avoid hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the tempered-glass.
To cook with greater flexibility we recommend ceramic hobs that have dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two pots in a single or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific pans or zones. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models that have an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a fantastic security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing "Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves, or gas cookers, are kitchen appliances that use flammable natural gas or LPG, which is liquefied. (LPG) for their fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware and surrounding air which allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the risk of burns. However, this design requires a special attention when cleaning and operating the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with a match. More recent models feature an automatic igniter that makes sure the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled by the control knobs. This makes it easy to alter the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, depending on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a constant supply of gas which can be a problem when you reside in an area that has an intermittent or unstable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance to prevent leaks and corrosion. This is why it is important to install a gas stove only after consulting with an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety protocols.

Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs are growing in popularity. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local prices for energy and availability. This is why it is crucial to evaluate your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who want a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans rather than a heated plate or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pan is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and release heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is more efficient than traditional gas stoves and is more efficient in energy usage. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is easy to clean.
As with other modern hobs, the induction ones are designed to be simpler to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as good as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need to possess the appropriate cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible, but they must have a magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs that are available starting from the cheapest models to top brands that feature TFT displays with a full menu of operation. The hob will display the pan's location in full-color when it is in the power zone. A control button or slider lets you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware to communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most adored models is an induction hob with an integrated extractor fan to reduce steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the need for a separate extractor fan. It utilizes magnetic fields that are within the kilohertz frequency range in order to produce heat that affects the pan and its contents. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health hazards to be anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The top electric hobs are elegant and designed to be compatible with most kitchen designs. They are a good option for those who like the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to fit your cooking needs. Most of them are made of glass, which is easy to clean and stylish in white or black style. Some have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have the power boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For instance they tend to cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to inform you that the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient since the magnetic field only generates heat within the pan itself and doesn't heat the air around you.
There are a few things to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. Most require an electric power source that is paired with the correct cables and breakers. We suggest having it installed by a qualified electrical contractor. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They may cost more due to the fact that they consume more energy.
Check out our extensive range of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of building a new kitchen, or replacing your current hob? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer a nationwide service and can install your new appliance if you want.