A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be integrated neatly into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it modern and sleek appearance. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take a while to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs in various types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking methods, and it's crucial to select the best hob for your needs. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your requirements.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are completely flat and frameless, adding to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They are equipped with four or five cooking zones, each of which is controlled independently by an individual dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages in another perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. However, they can be more expensive than gas hobs and could take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. Gas hobs are also secure because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure, which stop the gas supply in the event there is a leak. However, they are less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the burners and pan supports.
Plate hobs have been in use since decades. They have a flat surface with electric or gas rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs can heat your pan directly instead of heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer as there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and can take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is on or off.
They heat food quicker than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs provided you get electricity from a company which generates renewable energy sources.
You can choose to buy gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice since they can be moved easily. They aren't easy to install and might require you to hack into your carpentry work. This is not suitable for every home.
Freestanding models have a flat, smooth surface that makes them much easier to clean than other kinds of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, which can be matched to many kitchen designs. Some feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as a power boost function that lets you increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in no time.
Certain gas hobs come with an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame is gone and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs are less expensive to run than electric ones, and allow for precise temperature control.
It's important to mention that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Luckily, there are now models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a conventional gas stove but emits no CO2.
Electric hobs
A popular option for kitchens of all types electric hobs have many advantages over other kinds of cooker. Electric hobs are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to be prone to hot spots than certain gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish appearance that is easy to clean. They are also safe to touch. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred option for families with children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They are also relatively inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system that heats directly the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves, however, they will save money in the long run because of their efficiency.
It is crucial to keep your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as well as making sure to replace any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the grates or burner caps regularly. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's best to contact a gas professional for assistance. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the stove is shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. They heat up quicker than other stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have an aluminum or glass top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates the magnetic field that is used to heat. A pan that is compatible with induction must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed on the cooking zone. The majority of hobs come with a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency and many people report dips in their energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs which can get very hot.
Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control types. The simplest is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display hobs oven that shows all the options available, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. Induction hobs with more advanced technology have numerous small copper coils that are grouped tightly together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil senses when the pan is positioned. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or are easily integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend copper and ceramic. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to make your kitchen run smoothly.