Types of Ovens

The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles and there are various hob types to pick from such as electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to heat up and cool off. These hobs work only with pans that have a flat bottom and may also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting a sleek oven and hob stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. They work by using heating elements under the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have an opaque black surface that is tough and resistant to chips and scratches.

These hobs have flat, smooth surfaces which are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They also don't have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives in the house. They typically come with rotary or touch controls for safety, and a residual temperature indicator that warns you if a zone remains hot after removing the pan from the hob.

They are more expensive than an electric hob, however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are a good option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans in the event that they are not the exact same size as the element.

It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity is risky if it's not done properly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing 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 usually built into your kitchen unit or countertop. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit manually using matches or lighters and are controlled by a series of knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any style.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring ventilation and gas supply system to work. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose a safety hazard as they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that have an induction compatible design and cost more than other types of hobs.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has sleek design and is easy to clean. It is available on both electric and induction models, and is the Best Oven option for those looking to add modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down than gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts, where it can be used as a focal point. It requires a space and is usually fitted by professionals who are competent to manage the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that could pose risks if not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

A popular option for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ 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 magnet field, which creates an electric current to run through the base. This produces heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being more efficient in energy use than traditional electric or gas models. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is located, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. It also helps save on energy costs. Many induction hobs have the safety feature of shutting the hob off when there isn't a pan or when it is removed. This can reduce waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs, come with various types of controls including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple movement. A dial control is similar, and has an enormous dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are another option. Hobs with touchscreens feature a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

As an additional 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 typically activated with the use of a sensor or button or sensor, and can be set to automatically switch on when a pan is placed on the cooking zone.

Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require special cookware in order to work. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has magnetized bases and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction stoves. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those who have a small kitchen but still are looking to experiment with cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens grill.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. However, they may take a while to heat up and cool down and tend to be more expensive to operate than other hob models.

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. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this type of hob a fast and flexible choice. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, as well as being less energy efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob that is becoming more popular, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more eco friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop to add the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. They are also easy to clean, with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models come with elegant frameless designs, and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.

Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators that will inform you when your hob is hot to touch and ovens and hobs may cause burns. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.