Types of Ovens

Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling the kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are different hob designs to choose from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up or cool off. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs are a great way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek appearance and are easy to operate. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They do not contain open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly relatives or children. They usually feature the option of touch or rotary controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if a zone remains hot 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 option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system so will not function properly.

It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, as working with electricity is potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic hob professionally installed can void the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and typically built into your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. The burners can be lit manually with a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any style.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring gas supply system and ventilation for operation. This makes them more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also dangerous because they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction stove that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing the water to boil faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe clean. This kind of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to remember that this type of model can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts, where it can act as an accent piece. It requires a space and is usually fitted by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that can present risks if they are not handled properly.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a popular choice for those who prefer a sleek and efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to warm pans. In the glass surface, there are coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on top of them emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current that be pushed through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being a lot more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. Since they produce heat directly where the pan is placed this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs have a safety feature that shuts the hob off if there isn't a pan or in the event that it is removed. This can reduce waste.

Induction models, such as gas hobs, come with various control options including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you adjust the power level with just one simple movement. Dial controls are like a standard knob and come with a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are typically found on more expensive induction models that have advanced features, are an alternative option. They have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors that work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and Best Oven typically activated with a button or sensor, and they can also be set to automatically switch on when a pan is placed on the cooking zone.

The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pot has to be magnetic to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, although you should always check the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before purchasing an entirely new model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino hob is perfect for those with a small kitchen but still are looking to experiment with cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.

Solid plate hobs are the most basic type of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, they may take a while to heat up and cool down and tend to be more expensive to run than other hob types.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this type of hob an easy and quick choice. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and are susceptible to damage by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktop, are a stylish and modern choice. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.

Features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element if it is at a dangerous temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators which will warn you of an overheated hob. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.