Types of Ovens & Hobs
The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available and different hob styles such as electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic, while remaining simple to use. The ceramic hobs work by employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't also have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people who have young family members or elderly relatives in the house. They usually feature rotary or touch controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.
They cost more than a basic electric cooker but are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system and won't function properly.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity is risky if it's not done properly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically built into kitchen units or countertops. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled with various knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.
The drawbacks of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric ones and they aren't as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models, and also provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. It's available on both induction and electric models and is usually the best choice for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It is important to know that this type can get very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's a good fit for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts where it can be used as an accent piece. It requires a space and is typically fitted by professionals who are capable of handling the installation process, which entails dealing with gas connections that can pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular option for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to run through its base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they're gas or electric. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is situated, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This helps to reduce energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This can reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Induction models, such as gas hobs, have various control options including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level by one simple motion. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. They have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and modify settings.
Induction hobs come with extractors integrated that work with the hood in order to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are typically activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking area.
Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware to work. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not certain to work on all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always check the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying a new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen but still desire the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zones of ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option offered by Siemens You can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that is suited to your needs.
Solid plate hobs are the most basic type of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements. They then warm your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and long-lasting. However, they may take a little time to cool down and heat down and tend to be more expensive than other hob models.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, which uses a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs light up quickly and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and are susceptible to damage by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and eco-friendly than other types of hobs, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktops They are a chic and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless appearance and can be customized using dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.
When buying a new stove, be sure to look for features like overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it gets to an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily turn off the active cooking zones. This is useful if you have to leave the kitchen.