The Reasons Ovens Hobs Could Be Your Next Big Obsession

Types of Ovens The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted an entire chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available, as well as different hob styles such as 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. These hobs only work with pans with a flat bottom and could also come with heat indicators. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic whilst remaining easy to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, 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 chips and scratches. The hobs have flat, smooth surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't also have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people with young children or elderly relatives in the house. They usually feature rotary or touch controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that warns you if an area remains hot even after removing the pan from the oven . They are more expensive than a basic electric cooker however, they are less expensive than an induction model and can be a good choice for those who don't have gas installed at their home. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if your cookware has a flat base that maximises the contact surface with the elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance will not be recognized by the heating system and will not function properly. It is crucial to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, as working with electricity is risky if it's not done properly. In addition, if you don't get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's a small cost to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use. Gas Hobs Gas hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. It has a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and are controlled by various knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric models 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 a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more costly to install than electric ones and they aren't as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks. Another option that is popular is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water much quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a bit more expensive than other types of hob. Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob, which offers an elegant appearance and is easy to clean. It is available on both induction and electric models and is usually the best choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this model can become very hot and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electric models. A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's ideal for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can act as a focal point. It requires a space and is usually fitted by professionals who are competent to manage the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that can pose dangers if not handled properly. Induction Hobs A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electric current to pass through the base. This generates heat which quickly warms the food within the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch. Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the space where the pan is located which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that shuts off the hob in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further reducing waste. Similar to gas hobs, induction models are equipped with a range of control types, including slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level with a simple movement. A dial control is similar, having a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings. As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors which work together with the hood to draw steam and smoke out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other appliances and typically activated with a button or sensor or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed on the cooking zone. Induction hobs are limited due to the fact that they require special cookware in order to work. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to create the electromagnetic process. However it isn't guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a new model. Domino Hobs Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen, but need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available 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 most basic kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which in turn create heat for your cookware. These are easy to use, affordable and long-lasting. They can take a long time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs. The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface in order to produce heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this type of hob an easy and responsive option. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less efficient than other types of hob. Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more affordable and eco-friendly than other hob types However, they can be more expensive than gas and need specific cookware that is compatible with induction. Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly into your worktop, are a stylish and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless design and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preferences. Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. You should also check for residual heat indicators that will inform you when your hob is hot to touch and may cause burns. A pause function may temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.