A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our entire oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six power levels. It can take a few minutes for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. Whether you are a master chef who values precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a hob to suit your needs.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a frameless, flat design that enhances the modern look of any kitchen. They are equipped with five or four cooking zones each one independent of each other by a dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there's a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob that has been in use for many years. They have a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to heat your pan, rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice among home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner to cook stir-fry. Others have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is on or off.
They are faster at heating food than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. However, they are difficult to install and could require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that lets you boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. 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 usual features of a traditional gas model however they don't emit CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice for kitchens of any design. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. First, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat is left in the cookware when it is taken off. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Since ovens uk are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable 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 preferred choice for those who have children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired when damaged.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs that make use of coils to generate heat that is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to directly 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 are usually more expensive than electric stoves, however they can save you money over the long run due to their efficiency.
Despite their simplistic design, it's important to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning it in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of an electric field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up quicker than other types of stoves, and will save you energy over time. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be more secure, since the surface of the cooktop 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 which can get extremely hot.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The simplest is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all options and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature lots of small copper coils, tightly placed beneath the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect the pan you are placing it. The coil is activated when it is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units to create sleek and seamless design. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Check out our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen function properly.