14 Common Misconceptions About Oven Hob
Wiki Article
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is a flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic option for modern kitchens that are combining style and functionality. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains caused by food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. To ensure that your stove looks good and working efficiently you must follow regular cleaning. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or scrubbing pads.
Hobs of this kind are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models have radiant elements, which emits heat through the glass surface. Others use halogen elements, which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, which makes them ideal for cooking in short time.
Some of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features, for example, a residual heat indicator, which warns you when the surface is hot to the surface. This can prevent burns. Certain ceramic hobs come with child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
To ensure optimal performance, it's important to use appropriate cookware with your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and prevents hot spots that can cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered.
To cook with greater flexibility, we recommend our ceramic hobs with a dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can be used to accommodate two single pots or one large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). We also have models equipped with a booster burner to allow rapid heating of specific zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a great security feature that gives you peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a preset period of time.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also known as gas stoves, or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that utilize natural gas that is flammable or the liquefied petrol gas (LPG) as their fuel. The flame heats cookware and the air around it, which allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional safety because it prevents the body from coming into contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. However, this elevated construction requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to prevent accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit with a match or by the pilot light, and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the level of heat. Depending on the model, some gas hobs are also equipped with multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a consistent gas supply, which may be a problem if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent dangerous corrosion and leaks. Because of this, it is important to install a gas hob only after consulting with a Gas Safe registered fitter who will provide professional installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines.
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, as well as local prices for energy and availability. It is crucial to think about the kitchen's infrastructure and utility costs prior to selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that an alternating electric current runs through. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is much faster than traditional gas stoves and more efficient in terms of energy use. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is easy to wipe down.
Induction hobs are designed to be less difficult than gas hobs to clean. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking great as new.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the correct cookware. All cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick, must have a magnetized 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.
A range of induction stoves are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a TFT display and comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed in a power zone the hob will show its position on the full colour display, with the option of a slider or control button which allows you to change the power setting or set the timer. There are also clever accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware and communicate with the hob through bluetooth to control the power exactly.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove that includes a built-in extractor fan to cut down on smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes here with a limited space since it eliminates the need for an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that indirectly affects your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to complement all kitchen styles. They are a great choice for those who prefer the ease of using control buttons instead of dials and come with many options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority of these are made of glass, which is clean and stylish in white or black design. Some models have bridge functions that allow you to connect two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others include a power boost button for additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are gaining popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that can be incorporated into modern kitchen designs. They cook quickly and provide an excellent level of security. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that stays on when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They also are more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air around it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob that will require a particular power supply with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a certified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive and you'll need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to operate because they generally consume more energy than other hobs.
If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a a look at our extensive range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the right oven hob that will suit your style and cooking preferences. Our experts are available to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide a nationwide delivery service and can even set up your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.