A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and stoves can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it a modern and sleek appearance. Shop our entire oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs heat up using different cooking rings, which can range between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up and cool down.
Types of hobs
Every home should have an oven, kitchen hob cooker or stovetop (the latter is a complete cooking appliance that can bake and roast food items). It is used to prepare many different meals, and as such it is essential to select the best hob for your cooking style. 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 needs.
Induction and electric ceramic hobs are flat, frameless design that improves the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using a separate dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring perfect for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs and may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, which makes them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they have built-in safety systems for flame failure, which will shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they're less efficient than induction or electric hobs and are harder 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 are heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and don't distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs make use of an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, as they don't have an open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and ease of control. You will typically find models that offer between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner to cook stir-fry. Some stoves have a visible indicator that informs you if the burner is on or not.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, which makes them perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. The latter are a better option for those who are planning to renovate your kitchen as they can be moved easily later. However, they can be difficult to install and may require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easy to clean. They usually have sleek stainless steel trims that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some models even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the power of a specific 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 feature an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn and you're not at risk of burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.
It's worth mentioning that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a traditional gas model while emitting no CO2.
Electric hobs
A favorite option for kitchens of every style electric hobs have numerous advantages over other types of cookers. 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 are more evenly heated and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Typically seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide an elegant and fashionable appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a favorite choice for parents with children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are easily replaced in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down faster, and are able to be used with any kind of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long run due to their high efficiency.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass cooktop regularly to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop using non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. It's also important to look out for any signs of gas odour as this could represent an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is recommended to contact an experienced gas technician for assistance if you suspect an issue. To avoid any serious damage ensure that the hob is completely shut off and cool down prior to cleaning. This will also help to prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This lets them heat up much more quickly than other hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also safer to use as the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and most have safety features such as automatic shut off to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible pans must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency and many users report a dip in their energy costs after switching to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns. Additionally, it only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and can pose a fire hazard.
Most induction hobs have different control types. The most basic one is an easy power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others have an entire display that shows all the options, and allows you to adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Modern induction hobs feature numerous small copper coils that are tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will sense the pan you are placing it. It then activates the coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen function properly.