20 Tools That Will Make You Better At Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that is placed above your oven to cook your pans and pots. There are many different kinds of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Things to look out for include rotary, touch and controls for position. They let you control the heating zones by the press of a button, and also prevent them from being easily knocked over especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great choice for modern kitchens, combining style and functionality. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Cleaning your stove with regular cleaning and avoidance of using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning effectively.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements that are hidden beneath the glass surface which generate heat when activated through control knobs. Some models use a radiant element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicators which alert you when the surface is hot to the touch to avoid burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic cooktop. This ensures that your pans are flat-bottomed, which ensures uniform heat distribution and helps prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Also, avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with a dual-ring design, or the 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to allow it to register. Additionally, we have models that have a booster burner for rapid heating of certain zones or pots - ideal for stir-fry or searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a predetermined time to prevent overheating. This is a wonderful safety feature that will give you peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power' on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs, also referred to as gas stoves or gas cookers are kitchen appliances that use natural gas that is flammable, or liquefied petrol gas (LPG) to power their fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. Gas hobs are designed to be elevated, which gives extra security by preventing your body from being in contact with the flame. This eliminates the danger of burning. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas stove are controlled manually and lit with matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter that ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it making it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Based on the model, certain gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in an area with a sporadic or unreliable supply. Gas hobs also require regular maintenance in order to prevent leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure that the installation is safe and follow strict safety guidelines.
Gas appliances remain popular in a few areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preference of consumers and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is essential to consider your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers looking for modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is employed to heat the pans instead of an evaporating surface or burning gas beneath. Beneath the glass ceramic surface sit copper coils that create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils sense its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. best hob -ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are designed to be simpler to keep clean than their gas counterparts. To keep your induction stove as clean as new, all you require is a dampened cloth.
Induction cooking requires that you make use of the appropriate cookware. Stainless steel, cast iron and some non-stick cookware are compatible however they require an induction-compatible magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There is a wide selection of induction hobs to choose from starting from the cheapest models to premium brands that have TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. When a pan is set in a zone of power, the hob will show its location on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set a timer. There are other clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power exactly.
Induction hobs with a built-in fan can reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is perfect for homes with small space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it makes use of magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation, the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference value for the magnetic density for the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs are sleek and designed to match all kitchen styles. They are a good option for those who prefer the convenience of using touchscreen controls instead of dials, and offer a variety of options to meet your cooking needs. The majority of these are constructed from glass, which is easy-to-clean and elegant in a white or black style. Some models feature the option of combining two zones to fit larger pans while others have an extra power boost button that provides extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which is in keeping with modern kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high level of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient, as the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air around it.
However, there are some things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob that will require a particular power supply configured with the right breakers and cables, so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. Induction hobs are expensive, and you will need to buy a set of compatible induction pans if you want to get the most value from them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering building a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you select the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are always available to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.