A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up with the various 'cooking rings designs, which have between four and six power levels. They can take some time to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's important to choose the right hob for your needs. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook seeking speed.
Induction and electric stoves are frameless and flat which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled using the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a an even surface that makes them easy to wipe clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and they may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety mechanisms for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event of leaks. They are less efficient than induction or electrical hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They feature a flat top that has gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan - instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer, as there's no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Some have a visible flame indicator that shows you 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 less expensive to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier that generates renewable energy sources.
There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The former are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they can be moved easily later. They can be difficult to install and might require you to rip out your finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They often feature sleek, stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even have touch-sensitive controls and 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 come with an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk creating a fire by accident. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for environmentally conscious customers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the features that are typical of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 at all while operating.
Electric hobs
A common option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs have a range of advantages over other types of cookers. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, which means less heat remains behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those with children, since they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are easily repaired when damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool faster and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as is replacing or checking the heating controls, and regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. It's also important to watch for any indications of gas odour, as this could represent an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is an issue. To avoid damage that could be serious ensure that the burner is turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will help stop accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use magnetic fields to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and help save energy in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with an 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 costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can become extremely hot.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The most basic one is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an all-inclusive display that displays all the options available, and allows you to alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs that are induction equipped with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects when the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are seamlessly integrated into kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Make sure you take a look at our other appliances as well, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen functioning exactly as it should.