A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via different looking 'cooking rings' that can range from four to six power levels. They can take some time to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs in various types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to cook various meals and for this reason it's crucial to select the best hob to suit your cooking style. There is a hob for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs are frameless, flat design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is great for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is an issue with the gas. However, they're less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks due to of their fast heating capabilities and ease of control. You will typically find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is turned on or off.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The former are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen because they are easy to move later. They can be difficult to install, and may require you to hack into the finished carpentry. This isn't the best choice for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models have touchscreen controls and some models even have a power boost feature that enhances the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone to ensure that you aren't at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and they allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Luckily, there are now models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're being used. Known as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs they have all the usual features of a traditional gas model but don't emit any CO2 in operation.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice in kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat remains after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families who have children, as they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are easily replaced when damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system that heats directly the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, but they will save you money in the long run due to their efficiency.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. It is also essential to keep an eye out for any signs of gas odour since this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact a professional gas technician for help if you suspect that there is a problem. To avoid any serious damage, always ensure that the hob is completely turned off and cooled down prior to cleaning. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs, and they can help save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and most have safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic read more field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people have reported a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and create a burn danger.
Most induction hobs have different control options. The most basic is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with an all-inclusive display that displays all the options, and allows you to easily change 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 under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects when the pan is positioned. It then activates the coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for a sleek, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure you look over our other appliances as well, including dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.