A Guide to Ovens and Hobs<br /><br />Ovens and stoves can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it a a sleek and modern feel. Shop our full <a href="https://www.ovensandhobs.uk/">oven and hob</a> collection today.<br /><br />Electric hobs heat up using the various 'cooking rings' designs that have between four and six different power levels. It may take a while for them to heat up and cool down.<br /><br />Hobs in various types<br /><br />The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to cook various meals, and as such, it's important that you select the best hob to suit your cooking style. Whether you are a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a hob to suit your requirements.<br /><br />Induction and electric ceramic stoves are frameless and flat and add to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing the sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They are quick to heat up, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat and cool down.<br /><br />Gas hobs offer instant heat and allow for precise control, making them popular amongst chefs. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's a leak. However, they can be less efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.<br /><br />Plate hobs have been around for decades. They feature a flat surface with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they don't distribute heat evenly across the whole surface.<br /><br />Induction hobs heat your pan directly, rather than heating up the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, as they don't have an open flame, and are easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric hobs or gas.<br /><br /><br /><br />Gas hobs<br /><br />A gas hob is a common choice for cooks at home because of its fast heating capability and easy control. You can usually find models with between two and six burners. Some have a wok burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Others have a visual flame indicator that tells you whether the oven is on or off.<br /><br />They cook food faster than induction or electric models, and are therefore perfect for busy kitchens. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs in the event that you are using electricity from a company that produces renewable energy sources.<br /><br />You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, freestanding models are better because you can move them easily. However, they are difficult to install and may require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.<br /><br />They have a flat and smooth surface, which makes them easier to clean. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims that can blend in with many kitchen designs. Some models have control knobs that are touch-sensitive and some have a a power boost feature that increases the intensity of the burner by 50%..<br /><br />Certain gas hobs are equipped with an automatic safety feature that shuts off the gas supply once the flame has gone out. This means you don't need to worry about accidentally igniting the fire. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric hobs, and they allow for precise temperature control.<br /><br />It's worth mentioning that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be a problem for people who are concerned about the environment. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. They are referred to as "zero emission gas hobs" or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the standard features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 in operation.<br /><br />Electric hobs<br /><br />A common option for kitchens of all styles electric hobs have a range of advantages over other types of cookers. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more consistently and are less susceptible to hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also easier to maintain and cheaper to operate than gas models.<br /><br />Ceramic or glass electric hobs are often found in modern kitchens. They are sleek and stylish look that is easy to clean. They are also safe to use. They're also a great choice for families with kids since their flat surfaces are less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and are able to be replaced when damaged.<br /><br />Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They can heat and cool much quicker and are suitable for any cookware. They can be more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money in the long term due to their high efficiency.<br /><br />Despite their simple design, it's important to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is highly recommended, as is looking for and replacing any malfunctioning heating controls and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. Be on the lookout for gas odours, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. It's best to call a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect there is that there is a problem. Always make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any severe damage. This will help stop any accidental fires or spills!<br /><br />Induction hobs<br /><br />Induction cookers are a modern alternative to gas and electric hobs. They make use of a magnetic field instead of a cooktop to heat the pan. They heat up quicker than other types of stoves, and can help you save energy over the course of time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch, and a lot of models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.<br /><br />Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. An induction-compatible pan must be flat on the bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. Most hobs feature the bridging zone, which can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.<br /><br />Induction hobs have a reputation for their efficiency. Many have reported an improvement in their overall energy costs when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more suitable for children than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and create a burn risk.<br /><br />The majority of induction hobs have various control options, the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar that is placed on the surface of the hob, or an entirely functional TFT display that displays all options and allows you to adjust the power levels, set timers and more. Induction hobs with more advanced technology come with many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is positioned. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to suit the pan shape and size.<br /><br />All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless look. Our complete range includes everything from slick black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable copper and ceramic. Be sure to check out our other appliances too, including dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working as it should.<br /><br />