A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add modern, sleek style to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Explore our complete range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs heat up using various cooking rings that can have anywhere from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used to prepare many different food items and, for this reason, it's important that you select the best hob for your cooking style. There's a hob that's suitable for everyone, whether you're a professional chef who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.

Electric ceramic and induction stoves are frameless and flat, adding to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the four or five zones can be controlled using a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is ideal for busy families. They heat quickly, and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heat, and allow precise control. Gas hobs are also safe because they have built-in safety systems to prevent flame failure, which stop the gas supply in case of a leak. However, they're less efficient than electric or induction hobs and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.

Plate hobs are the most popular form of the hob that has been in use for a long time. 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 ideal for cooking with cast-iron and don't spread heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer since there is no open flame. They're also simple to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

A gas stove is a popular choice for cooks at home due to its speedy heating capability and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models come with a wok burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that lets you know if the burner is on or not.

They are faster to cook food than induction or electric models, making them ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They can also be cheaper to run than electric hobs, provided you get electricity from a supplier that produces renewable energy sources.

There are gas hobs that are freestanding or built-in models. The latter are the better choice when you're planning to redesign your kitchen since you can easily relocate them later. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't suitable for all homes.

Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface which makes them easier to clean than other types of hobs. Stainless steel trims are often used, and are used in conjunction with a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as the power boost feature allows you to increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pan of water to a boiling point in a matter of minutes.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas once the flame is gone, so you don't risk accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs that operate, and offer precise temperature control for various cooking methods.

Gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be an issue for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that do not emit CO2 when they are in use. These gas hobs that are zero-emission,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' come with all the features of a traditional gas stove, but emits zero CO2.

Electric hobs

A favorite choice for kitchens of every style electric hobs have a range of advantages over other types of cookers. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less heat remains in the cookware when it is removed. They also heat more evenly and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.

Most often seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs provide a sleek and stylish appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface also makes them a favorite choice for parents who have children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can easily be repaired in the event of damage.

Ceramic hobs heat directly in the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. They are able to heat and cool quicker and are suitable for any cookware. They're often pricier than electric plate hobs but they'll save you money on 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 glass or ceramic hob to prevent any issues. For example cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended, as well as replacing or checking the heating controls, and regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. Keep an eye out for gas odours, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. It is best to contact a professional gas technician to assistance if you suspect there is an issue. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely before cleaning to prevent any severe damage. This will also help to avoid any accidental fires or spills!

Hobs with induction

The modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers utilize magnetic fields to heat the pan itself instead of the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs, and they can reduce energy consumption in the long run. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch. Many models are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.

Most induction hobs feature a glass or ceramic top and are powered by an alternating current, which creates a magnetic field for heating. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which can connect two zones 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. They are also believed to be more secure since the cooktop's surface remains hobs uk cool to the surface, reducing the chance of burns. Additionally, it only heats 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 at the top of the hob. Some have an entire display that shows all the options, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. More advanced induction hobs have numerous small copper coils that are tightly grouped together below the cooktop, and the magnet underneath each one will detect the pan you are placing it. The coil is activated when it is appropriate for the pan size and shape.

All of our ovens and hobs can be purchased as freestanding models, or they can be easily integrated into kitchen units to create an elegant and seamless look. Our range includes everything from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances too including refrigerator freezers and washing machines to get your whole kitchen working exactly as it should.