Types of Ovens & Hobs
The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available along with a variety of hob types that include electric, ceramic, and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms and might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the cooking process, providing an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. They function by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one go. You can even use standard kitchen cleaner products. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for those who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and an indicator for residual heat which warns you when an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the oven.
They are more expensive than a basic electric cooker but cheaper than an induction model and can be a great option for those that don't have gas installed at their residence. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the area of contact with elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans that aren't the exact 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 correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and cause 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 cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are typically built into kitchen units or countertops. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually using matches or lighters and controlled by various knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any manner.
The disadvantages of gas hobs are that they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more costly to install than electric ones and they may not be as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, they only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than some other types of hobs.
Other options include a ceramic glass hob that has sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those who want to build modern and sleek kitchens. 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.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional choice that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan designs where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite option for those looking for a sleek, efficient way to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to run through its base. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. Since they produce heat directly where the pan is situated This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs feature a safety feature that shuts the hob off if there isn't a pan or if it is removed. This can reduce the amount of waste.
Induction models, including gas hobs, have various types of controls such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles the knob on a traditional cooker and allows you to adjust the power level with one movement. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, which are typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are an alternative option. They feature an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and modify settings.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are usually activated by a button or sensor and can be set to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in an area for cooking.
Induction hobs are limited due to the requirement for special cookware to work. It is necessary for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it is not guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetized bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction hobs. However, you must always check with the manufacturer to confirm that the pan you are using is compatible before buying the model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen who still need the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that suits your needs.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and hard-wearing. They can take a long time to cool and heat up and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, that uses a row glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and green than other types of hobs, but they can be more expensive than gas and need specific cookware that is compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly with your worktop, are a stylish and modern option. They add fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless look and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preferences.
The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that alert you to a hot hob. A pause function may temporarily deactivate the cooking zones in use. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.