What Is The Secret Life Of Hobs

A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it a sleek and modern feel. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.

Electric hobs heat up using various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

Each home is incomplete without a kitchen hob, range cooker, or stovetop (the latter being a whole kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food items). It is used for a variety cooking techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best ovens and hobs hob for your needs. Whether you are a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.

Electric ceramic and induction hobs have a flat, frameless design that enhances the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.

Gas hobs provide instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular with chefs. They're also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. They may be less efficient than electrical or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due to the pan's supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs have been around for decades. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cast iron cookware and do not evenly distribute heat across the whole 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 since there is no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner that is designed to cook stir-fries. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you if the burner is on or not.

They heat food quicker than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are less expensive to run than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

There are freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, freestanding models are better because you can move them easily. They aren't easy to install and could require you to cut into your finished carpentry. This is not suitable for every home.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some models even have the power boost feature, which increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..

Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply 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 allow for precise temperature control.

It's important to note that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 at all while they're in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but don't emit any CO2 whatsoever while operating.

Electric hobs

A popular choice for kitchens of all types, electric hobs offer many advantages over other kinds of cookers. They are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, which means less heat remains behind as the cookware is taken off. They are more evenly heated 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.

Typically used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean oven and hob safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a popular choice for those with children, since they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are able to be repaired when damaged.

Ceramic hobs are able to heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all the electrical energy into usable heat.

Despite their simplistic design, it's important to maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as is checking and replacing damaged heating controls and regularly cleaning out burner caps and grates. It is also essential to watch out for any signs of gas odour as this could represent an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact a professional gas technician to help if you suspect a problem. To avoid serious damage ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cooled prior to cleaning. This will also help avoid any accidental spills or fires!

Hobs with induction

Modern alternatives to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and most have safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.

Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. Induction-compatible pans must 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 allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for efficiency. Many have reported reductions in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also believed to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can get very hot and pose a burn danger.

The majority of induction hobs have various control options, the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the oven hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that shows all the 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 grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet underneath each one will detect the moment you place your pan. It then activates the coil to fit the pan's shape and size.

All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or are seamlessly integrated into kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Make sure to check out our other appliances, too including fridge freezers and washing machines, to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.