A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our entire range of ovens and hobs today.
Electric hobs are heated by the various 'cooking rings' designs that have between four and six different power levels. They may take a few minutes to get warm and cool down.
Hobs in various types
The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance that you roast and bake your food in) is a crucial part of every home. It is used to prepare many different meals and for this reason, it's important that you select the appropriate hob for your cooking style. No matter if you're a seasoned chef who favours precision or a busy family cook looking for speed, there's a cooker to meet your needs.
Induction and electric stoves are flat and frameless which adds to the sleek look of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring while sauteing the sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They heat up quickly and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and might take longer to heat up and cool down.
Gas hobs provide instant heat and permit precise control, making them popular with chefs. Gas hobs are also safer because they are equipped with safety mechanisms for flame failure, which shut off the gas supply in the event there is a leak. However, they're less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean because of the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They have a flat-topped top with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're inexpensive, but they're not ideal for cookware made of cast iron and do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan - rather than heating the hob surface like traditional hobs. They're more secure than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs
Gas hobs are a popular choice for home cooks because of their fast heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some stoves have a visible indicator that tells you if the burner is on or off.
They cook food faster than electric or induction models, making them ideal for busy kitchens. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they use electricity generated by renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. If you are planning to renovate your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best choice since they can be moved easily. However, they are difficult to install and might require hacking into your final carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
Freestanding models feature a smooth, flat surface that makes them much easier to clean than other types of hobs. They typically have sleek, stainless steel trims, that can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that allows you to increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to a boiling point in no time.
Some gas hobs feature an automatic flame failure safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame goes out, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. They can also be cheaper than electric hobs to operate, and also provide precise temperature control for various cooking techniques.
It's important to note that gas hobs produce carbon dioxide as they burn, which could be a problem for eco-conscious consumers. There are models that don't emit CO2 when they are in use. These 'zero-emission gas hobs,' or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any design. They offer a number of advantages over other types. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is removed. They heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than certain gas models. Since they are electric, they require less maintenance and are cheaper to run than gas.
Typically seen in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs have a sleek and stylish appearance that is both easy to clean and safe to contact. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families who have children, as they're unlikely to be scratched or smashed by heavy pans. They're also fairly inexpensive to run and can be easily replaced in the event of damage.
Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs that rely on coils to heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down faster, and can be used with any type of cookware. They are usually more expensive than electric plate stoves, however they can save you money in the long run due to their high efficiency.
Despite their simplicity in design, it is important to regularly maintain your ceramic or glass hob to avoid any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out grates and burner caps. It's also important to look for any indications of gas odour since this could be a sign of an issue with the gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. To avoid damage that could be serious, always ensure that the stove is shut off and cool down before cleaning. This will also prevent any accidental fires or spills!
Hobs with induction
A modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers make use of magnetic fields to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. This lets them heat up faster than other types of hobs and can reduce energy consumption in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features such as automatic shut-offs to prevent accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates magnetic fields to heat. An induction-compatible pan must have a flat bottom as well as a steel or iron core. The magnetic field is only activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many report reductions in their energy usage when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer since the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and reduces the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them safer for children than gas or electric hobs, which can be very hot.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control types. The simplest is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Some have a fully-functional display that shows all the options available, and lets you easily alter the power levels and set timers. Induction hobs that are more sophisticated feature many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet beneath each coil detects the moment that the pan is positioned. It activates the coil that is appropriate for the pan size and shape.
All of our hobs and ovens are available as freestanding models or neatly integrated into your kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to trendy copper and ceramic. Check out our other appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to help your kitchen function properly.