A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs provide heat via different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to get warm and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare many different food items and, for this reason it's crucial to choose the right type of hob for your cooking style. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a cooker to meet your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sauteing sausages on another perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a a smooth surface that makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to cool down.
Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety systems to prevent fire failures that will shut off the gas supply in the event of a leak. However, they are less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs are the classic design of the hob and have been used for many years. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - rather than heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They're safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to wipe 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 for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. There are models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you whether the burner is running or not.
They are faster at heating food than induction models or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens that are busy. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if you use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can pick between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are more suitable because you can move them easily. They can be difficult to put in, and may require you to cut into your carpentry work. This is not suitable for every home.
They have a smooth and flat surface, making them easier to clean. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims, that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some have a an energy boost feature that boosts the power of the burner by 50%.
Some gas hobs have an automatic flame failure safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of creating a fire by accident. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking methods.
It's important to mention that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 while in use. These gas hobs that are zero-emission,' or eco-friendly gas stoves', have all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
A common choice for kitchens of all styles electric hobs provide many advantages over other kinds of cookers. They are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat remains behind as the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and less expensive to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for parents with children, as they're less likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also relatively cheap to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.
Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, in contrast to traditional plate hobs that use coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool faster and can be used for any type of cookware. They're typically more expensive than electric plate hobs but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert nearly all electrical energy into usable heat.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. For instance cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended, as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. It is also essential to watch for any indications of gas odour as this could represent a problem with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to seek out a professional in gas to seek assistance. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely before cleaning to avoid any serious damage. This will also help stop any accidental spills or fires!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up quicker than other types of stoves, and will help you save energy over the course of time. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and most have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
Most induction hobs feature an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field that is used to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to allow for larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they switch to one. They are also considered to be safer since the cooktop surface stays cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with different types of controls that are the simplest being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all the options, and lets you change power levels as well as set timers, and more. Induction hobs with more advanced technology have numerous small copper coils that are placed tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil senses the moment that the pan is placed. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's worktops and units for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen function properly.