Responsible For A Oven Hob Budget? Twelve Top Tips To Spend Your Money
Types of Oven Hob A hob is a flat, elevated surface that heats pots and pans. There are many different kinds of hob including gas, electric and induction. Look for features such as the rotary or touch controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also stop them from being smashed down easily, especially when they are used by children. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However, the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food residues and cooking burnt-on stains. Cleaning your stove with a regular routine and avoiding using scrubbers or abrasive cleaners is crucial to keep it looking good and working effectively. The hobs of this type are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more effective. They are able to heat the entire surface in repeated pulses. Some of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features, such as residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the surface. This helps prevent burns. Some have child locks to protect children from accidentally altering the settings. For optimal performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is crucial that your pans have flat bottoms as this promotes even heating and also helps to avoid hot spots that could cause food to be overcooked or undercooked. Avoid dragging your pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass tempered. To allow for greater flexibility in cooking we recommend ceramic hobs with dual ring designs or an 'I-Flex' zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll require at least a 30cm-wide pan in order for it to register). There are models that have a booster heater for rapid heating in specific pans or zones. This is perfect for stir-fry or searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that turns off the hob at a set time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful security feature to have to ensure your safety. This feature is typically activated by pressing the 'Power' button on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a predetermined period of time. Gas Hobs A gas hob, sometimes referred to as a gas stove or gas cooker, is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware as well as the air around it. This allows for fast cooking and precise temperature control. The design of the elevated gas hob adds security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated design requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners. The burners of a traditional gas hob are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models have an automatic igniter which ensures that the gas flame is lit in a controlled manner. The flame can then be controlled by the control knobs, making it simple to adjust the level of heat according to your needs. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This gives you more cooking flexibility. One of the biggest drawbacks to a gas hob is that it requires a continuous supply of gas which can be a hassle if you live in an area with unstable or insecure supply. Gas hobs also require frequent maintenance to avoid corrosion and leaks. For these reasons, it is essential to install a gas hob only after consulting an approved Gas Safe fitter who can provide expert installation and follow strict safety guidelines. Gas appliances are still popular in certain areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns and local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure before choosing a model of hob. Induction Hobs Induction hobs are a favourite for our clients seeking a sleek and clean-looking kitchen. They make use of magnetism to heat the pans, not heating plates or burning gas beneath. Under the glass ceramic surface are copper coils through which create an electric current that alternatingly flows through. When an induction-compatible pot is placed on the top of the cooker the coils detect the magnetic base and induce heat directly into the pan or pan itself. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surfaces are cool to feel and easy to clean. Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to wash. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking good as new. The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you'll need to have the right cookware. All cookware including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible. A range of induction hobs is available, ranging from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. When a pan is set on a power zone, the hob will show you its location on the full colour display, with an adjustment button or slider that lets you change the power setting or set the timer. There are many clever accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob via bluetooth to control the power. One of our most sought-after models is an induction hob which comes with an integrated extractor fan to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space as it does not require an extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that is absorbed by the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density at the frequency at which it operates. There are no health risks to be expected. Electric Hobs The top electric hobs offer a sleek finish and are designed to complement most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and come with a range of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass that is easy to clean and can also look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to accommodate larger pans, while others have a power boost button for an extra amount of heat when you're doing something particularly tricky. Induction hobs are growing in popularity because they offer a clean and modern aesthetic which fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer an excellent level of safety. They are more likely to cool faster than gas cookers, and they have an indicator light that remains in place when the cooking area becomes hot to touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan and not the air surrounding it. But, there are a few things to bear in mind when selecting an induction hob – most require a specific power supply configured with the appropriate breakers and cables. We'd recommend having your electric cooker installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be quite expensive and you'll need an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They are also more expensive to run since they generally consume more energy than other hobs. Check out our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're thinking of a new kitchen, or replacing your old hob? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Ovens And Hobs are on hand to answer your questions and discuss the options with you. We provide an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.