Types of Ovens

Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether you're boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available, as well as different hob styles that include electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to heat up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting an elegant and fashionable look while remaining simple to use. They work by using heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to more contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is tough and durable against chips and scratches.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use most standard kitchen cleaner products. They also don't have open flames so are an ideal choice for those who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. 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 a zone remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.

They cost more than a standard electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model and can be a good choice for those who do not have gas on their home. Similar to induction models can be more efficient if you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system, and therefore will not function correctly.

It's important to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually built into your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and controlled with a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric models and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

The disadvantages of gas hobs are they require an air supply and gas system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric models. Additionally, they might not be as energy-efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.

Another popular option is an induction stove that makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing the water to boil more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a little more expensive than some other hobs.

Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It is available on both electric and induction models and is usually the ideal choice for those looking to add modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to note that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and takes longer to cool and heat down compared to gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob and oven is a traditional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and ovens open-plan layouts where it can act as the focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by professionals. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.

Hobs induction

Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that when a pot that is compatible is placed on them, create a magnetic field, which creates an electric current to flow through its base. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or ovens gas models. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is located, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted and helps to reduce energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with a safety feature that shuts the appliance off if there is no pan or in the event that it is removed. This can reduce waste.

Induction models, such as gas hobs, have a variety of control types including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple movement. A dial control is similar, having an enormous dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens, which are usually found on more expensive induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. They feature an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

As an extra piece of technology, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the rest of the appliance and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or button and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in a cooking zone.

Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan needs 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, stainless steel with magnetized bases and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction cooktops. However, it is recommended to always consult with the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before buying the model.

Domino hobs oven

Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen who still desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.

The simplest type of hob, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use best ovens and hobs hard-wearing. They can take a long time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which utilizes a row of halogen bulbs under a glass ceramic to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive since the bulbs are bright and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and can be damaged by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs are a brand new and increasingly popular type of hob, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern option with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktop, adding an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and also the option of having dials or touch controls based on your preference.

When buying a new stove, make sure you look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it reaches a dangerous temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which warn you if the hob is hot to point of contact and can cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily turn off the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.