Types of Ovens & Hobs
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are various hob types to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they take a while to heat up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek design and are simple to use. They work by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles from traditional gas burners to modern electric zones The majority of them feature a black-glazed finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to scratches and chips.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly relatives or children. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and an indicator of residual heat which warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.
They cost more than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system so will not function properly.
It is crucial to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's worth having peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built 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 a series of 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 style.
The disadvantages of gas hobs is they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more costly to install than electric models. Additionally, they may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Induction hobs are another popular option. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models, and offer precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both electric and induction models, and is the best choice for those who prefer modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down compared to gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional choice that's suitable for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts, where it can act as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a popular option for those looking for a sleek, efficient way to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a suitable pan is placed on the top, emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current that run through the base of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are gas or electric. Because they produce heat directly where the pan is situated this helps reduce the amount of heat that is wasted and also helps save on energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that shuts off the hob when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.
Induction models, such as gas hobs, come with a variety of control types including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial that can be rotated to select the required setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, typically used on more expensive and advanced induction models. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and alter settings.
As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors that work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are typically activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once a pan is placed over a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are restricted by the requirement for special cookware in order to work. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base in order to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, and certain non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, although you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They use sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then warm your cookware. They are simple to use, cheap and durable. However, they may take a while to cool down and heat down and are more expensive to operate than other hob models.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model that uses a row halogen bulbs on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive since the bulbs are bright and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other hob styles However, they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly into your kitchen worktop They are a chic and modern choice. They add fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models come with sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
When purchasing a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element when it gets to a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that alert you to a hot hob. A pause function may temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is helpful if you have to leave the kitchen.