Types of Ovens Hobs
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether boiling an kettle or roasting a chicken. There are a variety of styles and sizes available and various hob types, including ceramic, electric and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a lengthy time to warm up or cool down. These hobs only work with pans that have flat bottoms and may also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek appearance, while remaining easy to operate. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any standard kitchen cleaner. They do not contain open flames, which means they are safe for families with elderly relatives or children. They usually come with control knobs that are rotary or touch for safety, and a residual temperature indicator which alerts you when the area remains hot after the pan has been removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than electric hobs however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. As with induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the contact between the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system and will not function properly.
It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Moreover, failure to get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and create fire dangers in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and typically built into your kitchen unit or countertop. The burners can be lit manually using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that regulate the heat while cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat as opposed to electric hobs. They can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply and ventilation system to function. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety danger since they are powered by flammable gases and require regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans and allow the water to boil more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with induction-compatible pans and are a bit more expensive than some other hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is often the best option for those who want modern, sleek design to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can become very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool and heat down compared to gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional option that is perfect for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be a focal point. It requires a space and is usually fitted by an expert who is able to handle the installation process, which entails dealing with gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular option for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electric current to pass through the base. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs are also known as being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are gas or electric. Because they produce heat directly where the pan is placed, this reduces the amount of heat that is wasted. It also helps save on energy costs. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a range of control types such as slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and lets you alter the power level in a simple motion. A dial control is similar, and has an enormous dial that can be rotated to select the setting you want. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and modify settings.
In addition to the technology, induction hobs may be fitted with built-in extractors that work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by sensors or buttons and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited due to the fact that they require special cookware to function. The bottom of the pot 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, 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 your pan is suitable before buying a new model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option from Siemens you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.
Solid plate hobs are the most basic kind of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements. They then create heat for your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. They can take some time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic substrate to produce heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive due to the fact that the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surfaces, and are also less efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs, a new type of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally green and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktop are a fashionable and contemporary choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Certain models have sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.
Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. You should also check for residual heat indicators, which will alert you if your hob is hot to the point of contact and can cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.