Types of Ovens
The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, no matter if you are cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. There are a variety of styles and sizes available, as well as a variety of hob types such as electric, ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take a while to cool down or heat down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing a sleek and stylish aesthetic whilst remaining easy to use. They function by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one sweep - you can even use household cleaners. These hobs do not have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly or children. They typically feature the option of touch or rotary controls for safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if an area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than a basic electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They could be a good choice for those who don't have gas installed at their property. Like induction models they are more efficient than other types of hobs but only if your cookware has an elongated base that maximizes the contact between the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans if they are not exactly the same size as the element.
It is important to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity could be hazardous if not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's a small cost to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically built into your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and controlled with various knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones, and they can be used to cook in any manner.
The disadvantages of gas hobs are they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to set up than electric models and they might not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk as they are fueled by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a little more expensive than other types of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's an excellent choice for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this model can become very hot and takes longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional option that is ideal for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.
Hobs Induction
A popular choice for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field that creates an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs also have a reputation as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are gas or electric. Because they generate heat directly where a pan is placed This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs feature the safety feature of shutting the appliance off if there isn't a pan or in the event that it is removed. This can reduce waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models come with a range of control types such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level by one simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob and have a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. These have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and adjust settings.
Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button, and they can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed in an area for cooking.
Induction hobs are restricted by the requirement for special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate 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 some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always check the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before purchasing a new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are perfect for those with a smaller kitchen who still desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are heated by sealed plates, which then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. However, my company may take a little time to warm up and cool down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.
The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic substrate to produce heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs light up quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less energy efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, however they can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat-style design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models come with a stylish frameless design, and the ability to have dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
Things to look for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which alert you if your hob is hot to the touch and may cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.