Types of ovens hobs
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether boiling the kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to choose from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take a while to heat up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing an elegant and fashionable look and are easy to use. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface, which is tempered, to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a range of styles from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have a black-glazed finish that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use the majority of household cleaners. They don't also have open flames, making them an ideal choice for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the house. They usually feature the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, and an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.
They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They are an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. Like induction models they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if your cookware is fitted with a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognised by the heating system so will not function correctly.
It is important to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done properly. In addition, if you don't get your ceramic hob professionally installed could void the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled by knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric hobs and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This means they are more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob which employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing the water to boil quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models and is often the best choice for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of hob can get very hot to the touch and takes longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be a focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who prefer an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, create a magnetic field that creates an electric current to flow through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional models, whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the area where the pan is set which helps reduce waste and energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which shuts off the hob when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further reducing waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models come with various types of controls, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level with a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, usually found on more expensive and advanced induction models. They feature a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and alter settings.
Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated that work in conjunction with the hood in order to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated through a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once an oven is placed over a cooking zone.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to function. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base in order to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not certain to work on all models. Cast iron stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always read the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens You can mix and match to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which in turn heat your cookware. These are easy to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. They can take some time to heat and cool down and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and quick option. Halogen hobs consume less energy and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other hob styles However, they can be more expensive than gas and need specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your kitchen worktop They are a chic and modern choice. They add fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
The most important features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators which will warn you of a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a while.