Types of Ovens
Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling the kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are various hob designs to choose from such as electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to heat up or cool off. They only work with pans with flat bottoms and might also have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. They work with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface, which is tempered, to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. Most have black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one go. You can even use most standard kitchen cleaner products. They don't also have open flames, making them an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and an indicator of residual heat which warns you when a zone remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove.
They cost more than electric hobs however, they are cheaper than induction models. They are an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Like induction models they can be more efficient than other types of hobs but only if the cookware you use has an elongated base that maximizes the surface contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans that aren't 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 correctly. 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 a small cost to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It has a variety of burners which can be lit manually with a match or lighter and are controlled by various knobs that allow you to control the heat level during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric models and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a ventilation and gas supply system to function. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security danger since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular option. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and offer precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with pots that are compatible with induction and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to wipe clean. This kind of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It is important to note that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and takes longer to heat up and cool down than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts in which they are an eye-catching feature. It requires a separate space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are an ideal option for those who want a sleek and efficient method to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to warm pans. The glass surface is covered with coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electric current to run through its base. This generates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the space where a pan is placed which means less energy consumption and waste. Many induction hobs feature a safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This can reduce waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models have a range of control types, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level with just one movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. click here have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the rest and are typically activated via an electronic sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once an oven is placed over a cooking zone.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to function. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetized bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction cooktops. However, you should always check with the manufacturer to confirm that the pan you are using is compatible before buying the model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which then warm your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. They can take some time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It uses a row halogen bulbs underneath a glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are an innovative and increasingly popular type of hob using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. They are more economical and green than other types of hobs however they are more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktop, adding fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and also the option of having dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
Things to look for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Also, you should look for residual heat indicators, which inform you when your hob is too hot to point of contact and can cause burns. A pause function may temporarily disable the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.