A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

hobs and ovens (120.26.46.180) give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be easily integrated into kitchen worktops and units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs today.

Electric hobs heat up using different 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to heat up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

Every home is incomplete without an oven and hob, kitchen hob cooker, or stovetop (the latter is a complete kitchen appliance where you can roast and bake food items). It is used to cook many different meals and for this reason, it's important that you select the best hob for your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, no matter if you're a pro chef who likes precision or a busy home cook who wants speed.

Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled by an individual dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is 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.

Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular among chefs. They are also safe, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there's an issue with the gas. However, they are less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are harder to clean because of the burners and pan supports.

Plate hobs are the most popular design of the hob and have been around for a long time. They have a flat top with electric or gas rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are economical but not ideal for cooking with cast-iron as they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.

Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan instead of heating the hob surface as traditional hobs do. They are safer as there's no open flame. They are also easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a common choice among home cooks because of their speedy heating capabilities and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is on or off.

They are faster to cook food than electric or induction models, and are therefore perfect for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are also less expensive to run than electric hobs assuming you use electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.

There are freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. The latter are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen as you can easily relocate them later. They aren't easy to install, and may require you to hack into your carpentry work. This isn't a good choice for every home.

They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims that can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that allows you to increase the power of a specific burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in no time.

Certain gas hobs are equipped with a safety system that automatically shuts off the gas supply when the flame goes out. This way, you don't have to worry about accidentally starting a fire. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than electric ones, and permit precise temperature control.

It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 whatsoever when they're in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they still have all the features that are typical of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 at all while operating.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every design. They provide a range of advantages over other types. They are able to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs. This means less heat remains behind after the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly 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.

Typically found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and stylish appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to touch. They're also a good choice for families with kids because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired if damaged.

In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat which is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs use an induction system to heat directly the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and can be used with any kind of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money in the long term because of their efficiency.

Despite their simple design, it's important to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as well as checking for and replacing any faulty heating controls and cleaning out the burner caps or grates regularly. It's also important to watch out for any signs of gas odour, as this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. It is best to contact an experienced gas technician for help if you suspect an issue. Make sure that the hob has cooled completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any severe damage. This will also help to stop any accidental spills or fires!

Hobs with induction

A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers make use of a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop itself. They heat up faster than other types of stoves, and can save you energy over time. They are also a lot safer to use because the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and many have safety features like automatic shut-offs to prevent 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. Induction-compatible cookware must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can connect two zones to allow for larger pans.

Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency. Many report an improvement in their energy usage when they change to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer, as the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and decreases the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can be extremely hot.

Most induction cooktops come with different control types with the most basic being a simple touch mark/power bar on the surface of the hob, or a fully-functional TFT display which displays all the options and allows you to alter the power levels as well as set timers, and more. More advanced induction hobs have lots of small copper coils, tightly connected under the cooktop. the magnet beneath each one will be able to detect the pan you are placing it. Then, it activates the appropriate coil to match the pan's shape and size.

All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen units for an elegant and seamless look. Our full range includes everything from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to fashionable ceramic and copper. Check out our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen function properly.