A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full oven and hob collection today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings' designs that have between four and six power levels. They may take a few minutes to warm up before cooling down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance that you roast and bake food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook a variety of techniques, which is why it's crucial to select the best hob for you. There's a type of hob for everyone, no matter if you're a professional chef who prefers precision or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction hobs feature a flat, frameless design that enhances the modern look of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled with the use of a separate dial. This gives you the option of boiling potatoes on one ring while sautéing sausages on a different ring - ideal for busy families. They also are quick to heat up and have a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. However, they are more expensive than gas hobs, and they may take longer to cool down and heat down.
Gas hobs offer instant heat and provide precise control, which makes them popular among chefs. They're also safe and come with built-in flame fail safety systems that cut off the gas supply in case there is an issue with the gas. They may be less efficient than electric or induction hobs, and they are harder to clean because of the pan's supports and stove burners.
Plate hobs have been around for a long time. They have a flat surface with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob as with traditional hobs. They are safer than gas and have no open flames and are easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs and may take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner designed for stir-fry cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that shows you whether the hob is turned on or off.
They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They can be cheaper to run than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can choose between freestanding or built-in gas hobs. The latter are the better choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen since they are easy to move later. However, they are difficult to install and could require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.
They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. They often feature elegant, stainless steel trims, which can be integrated into a variety of kitchen designs. Some come with touch-sensitive controls as well as the power boost feature lets you increase the power of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame goes out and you're not at risk of creating a fire by accident. Gas hobs are generally less expensive to run than some electric ones, and permit precise temperature control.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be an issue for environmentally conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. Known as 'zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs, they're still equipped with the usual features of gas models, but don't emit any CO2 whatsoever while operating.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common choice in kitchens of any style. They provide a range of advantages over other types. Electric hobs can heat up and cool off quicker than gas hobs. This means that less residual heat is left when the cookware is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to develop hot spots than some gas models. Electric models are also simpler to maintain and cost less to run than gas models.
Most commonly found in modern kitchens ceramic or glass electric hobs have an elegant and fashionable appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a preferred choice for those who have children, as they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can easily be replaced in the event of damage.
As opposed to traditional plate hobs which use coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs utilize an induction system to heat directly the pan. They can heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any type of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves however, they will save money in the long run because of their efficiency.
Despite their simplistic design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to prevent any issues. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaners is recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and clearing out burner caps or grates regularly. It's also important to watch for any indications of gas odour since this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's best to seek out a professional in gas for assistance. To avoid serious damage make sure that the hob is completely shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will help avoid any accidental fires or spills!
Induction hobs
A modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize a magnetic field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs and can save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut-off to avoid accidents.
The majority of induction hobs have a ceramic or glass top and are powered by an alternating current that creates the magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible pans must have a flat base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated only when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are renowned for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their coverall energy costs after switching to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch, and they reduce the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs that can become very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The simplest is an easy touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others have a fully-functional display that shows all the options, and allows you to change power levels and set timers. Modern induction hobs feature many small copper coils that are tightly placed below the cooktop, and the magnet under each one will detect when you place your pan. It activates the coil that is suitable for the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as stand-alone models or neatly integrated with your kitchen units to create an elegant and seamless look. Our range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.