A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it modern and sleek appearance. Shop our complete range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by various 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six power levels. It can take a few minutes to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare all manner of food items and, for this reason it's crucial to select the best hob for your cooking style. There's Ovens & Hobs that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using the use of a separate dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface 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 instant heating and precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they are equipped with safety systems to prevent flame failure that will shut off the gas supply in the event there is leaks. However, they are less efficient in energy than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron as they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer as there's no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.
Gas hobs
A gas hob is a common choice for cooks at home due to its quick heating functionality and easy control. You can usually find models that have between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is on or not.
They cook food faster than induction models or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can also be cheaper to operate than electric hobs, in the event that you are using electricity from a company that produces renewable energy sources.
You can pick between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because you can move them easily. However, they can be difficult to install and may require hacking into your completed carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. The stainless steel trims are commonly employed, and can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and an energy boost feature that allows you to increase the power of a particular burner by as much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.
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. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than some electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs emit carbon dioxide as they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 while in use. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas stove but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice for kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than some gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.
Most commonly found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. They're also a good choice for families with kids because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are easily repaired in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric stoves, however, they will save money over the long run due to their high efficiency.
It's important that you maintain your ceramic or tempered glass stove regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as well as looking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. Always ensure that the stove has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any serious damage. This will also help to prevent accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of an electric field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. This allows them to heat faster than other types of hobs and can help save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch, and they are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom as well as an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs have an 'bridging zone' that can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. They are also considered to be safer as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns, and it only heating the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire hazard.
The majority of induction hobs have different types of controls, the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all the options and allows you to adjust the power levels, set timers and more. The more advanced models of induction hobs include numerous small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. the magnet underneath each one will sense when you place your pan. It then activates the required coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units to create sleek and seamless design. Our selection includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to contemporary copper and ceramic. Make sure to look over our other appliances, too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your kitchen running exactly as it should.