A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Stoves and ovens can be easily integrated into your kitchen worktops and kitchen units to give it modern and sleek appearance. Explore our complete oven and hob range today.
Electric hobs heat up using different looking cooking rings, which can range from four to six power levels. It can take some time to heat up and cool down.
Types of hobs
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake things in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety of cooking techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a pro chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook who wants speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs have a frameless, flat design that improves the sleek appearance of any kitchen. They have either four or five cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. This allows you the choice of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also secure and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there is an issue with the gas. However, they can be less energy-efficient than induction or electric hobs and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been around for decades. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that get heated when you turn the dial. They are cost-effective, but they are not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron, and they don't evenly distribute heat over the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating up the surface of the hob 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 and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a common choice for home cooks due to of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. There are usually models that have between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some have a visible flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is on or off.
They heat food faster than induction models or electric models, so are ideal for busy kitchens. They are also cheaper to run than electric hobs, assuming you use electricity from a provider which generates renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are the best choice because they can be moved easily. They aren't easy to install and could require you to hack into your finished carpentry. This isn't a good choice for every home.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. They usually have elegant, stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some even feature touch-sensitive controls, as well as a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a specific burner by as much as 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame ceases to burn to ensure that you aren't at risk of burning yourself in the process. Gas hobs can be cheaper to run than some electric ones, and they permit precise temperature control.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for eco-conscious customers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a standard gas stove, but emits zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any style. They have a variety of advantages over other kinds. Electric hobs heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less heat is left when the cookware is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Typically used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and elegant appearance that's both easy to clean and safe to contact. They're also a good choice for families with children because their flat surface is less likely to be damaged by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and are easily replaced when damaged.
In contrast to traditional plate hobs which make use of coils to generate heat that is transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to directly heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable to cook with any type of cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs, but they'll reduce your energy costs in the long run due to their high efficiency and the way they convert almost all electrical energy into usable heat.
Despite their simplicity in design, it's important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop using an anti-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as is checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly clearing out the grates and burner caps. Be on the lookout for gas smells, as they could indicate an issue with the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer for assistance. Make sure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning in order to avoid any serious damage. This will also help prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
Induction cookers are an innovative alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They utilize a magnetic field instead of the cooktop to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and can save energy in the long run. The cooktop surface is cool to the touch and many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to prevent accidents.
Most induction hobs feature a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current which creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core. The magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burns. ovens and hobs heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can become extremely hot and can pose a fire danger.
The majority of induction hobs have various control options, the most basic being the simple power bar or touch mark on the top of the hob, or a fully functional TFT display that displays all options and allows you to change power levels, set timers and more. Hobs induction with more advanced technology have many copper coils of varying sizes that are grouped tightly together beneath the cooktop. The magnet underneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is positioned. It then activates the coil to suit the pan shape and size.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into your kitchen appliances for a seamless and sleek look. Our selection includes everything from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Be sure to look over our other appliances too such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen running as it should.