Types of Ovens
Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether you're boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up or cool off. These hobs work only with pans that have flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting an elegant and fashionable look while remaining simple to use. The ceramic hobs function making use of heating elements under the tempered-glass surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a range of styles from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and durable against scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames so are a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the home. They typically feature control knobs that are rotary or touch to ensure safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if a zone remains hot after removing the pan from the hob.
They are more expensive than electric hobs but cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same dimensions as the element.
It is essential to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done properly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause potential fire hazards in the future. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are usually built into countertops or kitchen units. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and are controlled by knobs that permit you to manage the heat level while cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering and boiling to sauteing or frying.
The drawbacks of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric ones and they may not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Induction hobs are another popular choice. hobs and ovens use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to 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 has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those looking to create an elegant and modern kitchen. It's important to note that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than electric or gas 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 be used as an accent piece. It requires a dedicated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is able to handle the installation process, which includes dealing with gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on the top emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. Since they generate heat directly where a pan is placed, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This can reduce waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a variety of control options that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you to adjust the power level in a simple movement. A dial control is similar, having a large dial which can be rotated to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. hobs oven with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs are available with extractors integrated which work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen and keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are usually activated via an electronic sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once a pan is placed over a cooking area.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to be magnetic to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all typically used with induction hobs. However, you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure your pan is suitable before buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with a small kitchen but still want to explore cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use, and durable. They can take a long time to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which utilizes a row of halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming more popular type of stove, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally green and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern option, with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and the option to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.
When purchasing a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element when it gets to a dangerous temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which inform you when your hob is hot to point of contact and can cause burns. Finally, a pause function lets you temporarily disable all cooking zones in use. This is useful when you need to leave the kitchen for a while.