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Types of Ovens
The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted chicken. They come in a variety 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 long time to warm up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They have a fashionable and sleek aesthetic and are simple to use. They function by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have a black glazed surface which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The hobs have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't have open flames, therefore they are safe for families with children or elderly relatives. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those that do not have gas on their property. Like induction models, these are more efficient when you cookware has a flat bottom that maximizes the area of contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans if they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity can be dangerous if not done correctly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and cause fire dangers in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled with various knobs that allow you to control the heat level during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric hobs. best ovens and hobs uk can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.
The drawbacks of gas hobs are they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also dangerous because they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water quicker than gas models and provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models and is often the best option for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool down and heat down than gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for kitchens that are larger and open-plan layouts where it can act as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer a sleek, efficient way to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to warm pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electric current to pass through the base. This generates heat which quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. They only heat the space where the pan is set which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety function that shuts off the hob if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing waste.
Induction models, including gas hobs come with various types of controls including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and allows you to adjust the power level with just one simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors which work with the hood to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and to prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in an area for cooking.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and certain non-stick pans are commonly used with induction hobs, although you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen but still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zones of ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option offered by Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking area that is suited to your needs.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn heat your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and long-lasting. They can take some time to cool down and heat and are more costly to operate than other types of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, that uses a row glowing halogen bulbs set on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is swift and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs, which is a new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more economical and green than other types of hobs, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern option with their flat-style design blending seamlessly into the worktops to add fluidity to your cooking space. 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 with dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, look for features like overheat protection. This shuts off the heating element once it gets to an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that alert you to an overheated hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate all active cooking zones and is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.