Types of Ovens
Hobs are the center of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling the kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are various hob types to choose from, including electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to warm up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, offering modern and sleek design while remaining simple to use. The ceramic hobs work by making use of heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. The majority feature an opaque black surface which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one go. You can even use the majority of standard kitchen cleaner products. They don't also have open flames, making them a safer option for those who have young family members or elderly relatives in the house. They typically have the option of a touch or rotary control to ensure safety as well as an indicator of residual heat that warns you when the area is still hot after the pan is removed from the oven.
They are more expensive than an electric hob, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They are an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as your element will not be recognised by the heating system and won't function properly.
It is crucial to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. In addition, if you don't get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be 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. The burners can be lit manually using a lighter or match. They are controlled with knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they offer instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring ventilation and gas supply system to function. This makes them more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas 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 which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with pots that have an induction compatible design and cost more than other types of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's an excellent choice for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and takes longer to heat up and cool down than gas or electric models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more conventional option that's a good fit for kitchens that are larger and open-plan designs where it can be used as a focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.
best hobs for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to pass through its base. This generates heat which 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're gas or electric. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is placed This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This helps to reduce energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, thereby reducing waste.
Induction models, such as gas hobs, have a variety of control types including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level with just one simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has a large dial which can be rotated to select the required setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on more expensive and advanced induction models. These hobs have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs are available with integrated extractors that work in conjunction with the hood in order to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen, and to prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other hobs and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once a pan is placed over a cooking area.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular kind of cookware in order to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base to allow for the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction stoves. However, you must always consult with the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before purchasing a model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate hobs are the simplest type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements, which in turn heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. However, they may take a little time to cool down and heat down and are more expensive to operate than other hob types.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic substrate in order to produce heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and responsive option. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a brand new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. They are more economical and environmentally friendly than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and require specific induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice, with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding the appearance of a kitchen with a fluid. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls, according to your preference.
The most important features to look out for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily deactivate the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.