Everything You Need To Learn About Hobs

A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Hobs and ovens give modern, sleek style 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 a variety of 'cooking ring' designs that have between four and six power levels. It can take some time for them to heat up and cool down.

Types of hobs

The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's important to choose the right hob for your needs. Whether you are a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your needs.

Induction and electric ceramic stoves are completely flat and frameless, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is perfect for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs provide instant heat and provide precise control, making them popular among chefs. They are also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off gas flow if there is a leak. However, they're less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.

Plate hobs are the traditional design of the hob and have been used for decades. They have a flat, smooth surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not distribute heat evenly across the entire surface.

Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the oven is on or off.

They cook food faster than electric or induction models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they utilize electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because they can be moved easily. However, they can be difficult to install and could require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Certain models come with control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some have a a power boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas when the flame ceases to burn to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric hobs, and they permit precise temperature control.

It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Fortunately, there are models available that don't emit any CO2 while they're in use. 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 in operation.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every style. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat remains in the cookware when it is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a preferred choice for parents who have children, as they aren't likely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be replaced when damaged.

Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric stoves, however, they will save money over the long run due to their efficiency.

Despite  the advantage , it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. It's also important to look for any indications of gas odour as this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact a professional gas technician to help if you suspect that there is a problem. Always make sure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid serious damage. This will also stop any accidental spills and fires!

Induction hobs

Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic 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. They are also safer to use as the cooktop surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.

Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must be flat on the bottom and a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy bills when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also considered to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and pose a burn hazard.

The majority of induction hobs have different types of controls, the most basic being an easy-to-use power bar/touch mark that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all options and allows you to alter the power levels or set timers. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils, tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will detect the pan you are placing it. It then activates the required coil to suit the pan size and shape.

All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless steel finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers and washing machines to make your kitchen function properly.