A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up with a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. It can take a few minutes for them to heat up and cool down.
Hobs in various types
Every home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker or stovetop (the latter being a whole cooking appliance in which you can roast and bake food items). It is used to prepare all manner of meals and for this reason, it's important that you choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who values precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your requirements.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs have a frameless, flat design that improves the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs because they provide instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also safe with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there is an issue with the gas. However, they are less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs and are harder to clean due to the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the classic type of hob that has been in use for a long time. They have a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cast iron cookware and don't distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan, instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer than gas, as they don't have an open flames and are easy to clean. They're also more expensive than electric or gas hobs and can take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice among home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some include a wok burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than induction or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a supplier which generates renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are better because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. Trims made of stainless steel are frequently used, and are matched to many kitchen designs. Some models have touch-sensitive controls and some have a the power boost feature, which increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run website than electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This can be a problem for eco-conscious customers. There are models that emit no CO2 when in use. These are known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they have all the usual features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other types. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat remains in the cookware when it is taken off. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Most often used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and stylish appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with kids because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money over the long run due to their efficiency.
Despite their simplicity in design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is checking for and replacing any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. It is also essential to watch out for any signs of gas odour since this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician for assistance if you suspect there is that there is a problem. Always ensure that the stove has cooled completely before cleaning to prevent any severe damage. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs and help save energy in the long run. The cooktop's 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 usually ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. Induction-compatible pans need to have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs have an bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs that can get very hot and can pose a fire hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic one is the simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an all-inclusive display that displays all options and lets you easily change power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will be able to detect when you place your pan. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for sleek and seamless design. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers, and washing machines that will make your kitchen run smoothly.