This Is The Advanced Guide To Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob A hob is an elevated flat surface that heats pots and pans. There are several different types of hob including gas, electric and induction. Look for features like buttons that rotate, touch or position controls. oven uk let you control heating zones by pressing one button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a modern kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratches and residues. Keeping your hob clean with regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is essential to keep it in good shape and functioning effectively. The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. They generate heat when they are turned on using control knobs. Some models use an element that emits heat to the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times. Certain ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that alerts you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This helps prevent burns. Some also come with child locks to prevent children accidentally altering the settings. For optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. Avoid dragging pans across the surface, as this could scratch the glass that is tempered. To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring design or 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate two single pots or a large pan (you'll require a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). There are models that have booster heaters for quick heating in specific areas or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the hob at a predetermined time to prevent it from overheating. This is a great security feature to have for peace of mind. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power button' on the control panel when you have your appliance set to the maximum temperature and no activity is detected for a predetermined period of time. Gas Hobs A gas hob, sometimes called a gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the air surrounding it. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming into contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. However, this design requires a special care when cleaning and using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids on the burners. A traditional gas hob is ignited by matches or the pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. The latest models have an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit on its own. The flame can be controlled using the control knobs. This makes it easy to adjust the heat level. Depending on the model, some gas hobs also come with multi-flame burners that allow for greater cooking flexibility. Gas hobs require a continuous gas supply, which may be problematic when you live in an area that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure a safe installation and adhere to strict safety guidelines. Gas appliances are still popular in certain regions, despite the fact that electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess the utility costs of your kitchen's infrastructure before selecting a type of hob. Induction Hobs Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who want an elegant, modern kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of heating plates or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are positioned under the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible cookware or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pan or pot directly. This is a lot faster than traditional gas hobs and is more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down. Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be more easy to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe using an damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking good as new. The biggest drawback to cooking induction is that you must have suitable cookware for it. Cast iron, stainless steel and certain non-stick pans are compatible but they need a magnetic base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible. A range of induction stoves is available, from budget models to premium brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is placed on a power zone, the hob will show you its position on a full-color display, and also have the option of a slider or control button that lets you change the power setting or set an alarm. There are also clever accessories available, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of your cookware and connect to the hob via bluetooth to regulate the power precisely. One of our most adored models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it utilizes magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range in order to produce the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of five to ten centimetres, these fields comply with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated. Electric Hobs The top electric hobs have a an elegant look and are designed to complement all kitchen designs. They are a great choice for those who like the ease of using touch controls rather than dials. They also come with a variety of options to suit your cooking requirements. Most are made from glass which is easy to clean and can also appear stylish if you go for a black or white design. Some models feature a bridge feature to combine two zones to make room for larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button to provide extra heat for tasks that require a lot of effort. Induction hobs are becoming increasingly popular due to their modern and clean aesthetic that is in line with the contemporary designs of kitchens. They cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. For example they tend to cool faster than gas cookers and have a “hot” indicator light that is on to alert you when the cooking area is hot to the surface. They also tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat inside the pan so you're not heating the air around you. However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction cooker – most require a specific power supply configured with the correct breakers and cables. We'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to benefit the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they often use more energy than other types of hobs. If you're thinking about building a new kitchen or replacing your current hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of appliances? We can help you choose the right oven hob that will fit your style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to answer your questions and discuss options with you. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you want.