Types of Ovens
The hob is the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are various hob types to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up or cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with an opaque black surface that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't also have open flames so are a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that warns you when an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.
They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those who do not have gas at their residence. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other types of hobs but only if your cookware has an elongated base that maximizes the contact between the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element are not recognized by the heating system and will not function properly.
best ovens and hobs is important to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work can be dangerous if not done correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and could cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically is installed inside your kitchen unit or countertop. It has a variety of burners which can be lit manually with a match or lighter and controlled by a series of knobs that allow you to manage the heat level while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any way.
The downsides of gas hobs are they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models and they may not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also an hazard for safety since they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans and allow the water to boil more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with induction-compatible pans and are a bit more expensive than other types of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. It is available on both electric and induction models and is often the ideal choice for those looking to add a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of hob can get very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool and heat down compared to gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more conventional choice that is suitable for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a space and is typically installed by an expert who is competent to manage the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a suitable pan is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being a lot more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. Since they generate heat directly where a pan is located this helps reduce the amount of heat that is wasted. It helps to reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature that stops the stove in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, thereby reducing waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models have a range of control types, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level by one movement. A dial control is similar, with a large dial that can be turned to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. These hobs have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by sensors or buttons or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs. However, you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They utilize sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then heat your cookware. They are easy to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. They can take a long time to cool down and heat and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other types of hobs however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean, with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Certain models have elegant frameless designs, and also the option of having dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators that will warn you if the hob is too hot to contact and could cause burns. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily turn off all active cooking zones and is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.