Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?

Oven hobs are an essential kitchen appliance, but choosing the right one isn't easy. We'll help you make the best choice for you, no matter if you're looking at gas, electric or even induction hobs.

Available in a range of styles that include ceramic and induction, domino hobs offer an array of cooking options. Select between one or two zones of heat and mix the model to suit your needs. For example the ceramic section can be paired with a separate one for gas.

Gas

A gas hob is an essential kitchen appliance, offering a range of benefits to both professional and casual cooks alike. They are renowned for their ability to speed up and adapt, this type of hob makes use of propane or natural gas to create the flame that heats pots and pans which makes it suitable for different cooking techniques. Gas hobs come with multiple burners which can be controlled with a knob to regulate the intensity and temperature of the flame. This level of control makes a gas cooker the ideal choice for delicate cooking methods such as simmering and boiling.

Additionally, a gas hob's sleek design makes for a sophisticated kitchen design, and its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Gas hobs are ideal for counters with small spaces since they don't protrude. However, a major disadvantage of a gas stove is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline and a dedicated fuel source, which may increase installation costs.

Gas stoves have been constructed with safety as the top priority. They are equipped with flame failure devices which automatically shut off gas supply when the flame ceases to burn. This feature is important for households with young children or pets to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning as well as fire. Modern hobs also come with automatic shut-offs that stop the flow of gas in case there is an unexpected electrical surge or short circuit.

Make sure you consult a Gas Safe registered Fitter prior to purchasing a new gas stove to ensure the installation is done correctly and your stove adheres all safety standards. Doing the installation or repair of a gas stove yourself could lead to fire hazards, leaks and health risks.

It is therefore important to consider long-term costs before making a purchase. For example an electric hob can be more energy-efficient than a gas one, since it can transfer heat directly to your cookware. In addition, many electricity-based hobs are equipped with additional features, like automatic shut-off and pan detection that make them safer to use than other hobs.

Induction

The traditional electric and gas cooktops heat through conduction (which involves a hot burner that heats the surface of your pot or pan) Induction utilizes electromagnetism to directly heat only the cooking pan. Induction cooktops can warm up faster more precisely and efficiently. This also means less energy is wasted because heat is transferred through the magnetic field to the pan and not through a heated resistance coil.

Induction stoves can be difficult to get the hang of initially. Induction stoves require cookware that has flat bottoms and ferromagnetism. The majority of modern kitchenware can be used, however older pans and pots might not work unless you use an induction interface disk. The interface disk is positioned on top of the existing cookware to create a magnetic surface. This lets the burners interact with your cookware. Induction cookers won't harm your hands in the same way as the traditional electric or gas cooktop, but they can still be hot and could cause burns if you leave your hand on the surface for too long.

Another drawback is that the cooking surface is unable to start if your cookware isn't seated on it as an important safety feature to prevent accidental burns and fires. Induction burners cannot be accidentally turned on when the pan is cooling. This is not possible with a gas or electric stove.

Induction cookers do not release harmful pollutants like nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde once they are shut off. These pollutants can cause worsening of respiratory conditions. And when they're paired with renewable energy sources, induction cookers can be completely emission-free.

Induction cooktops can produce an emitted sound. This noise is noticeable when temperatures are higher and may affect digital meat thermometers. However you can minimize it by using heavy pans with flat bottoms. The hum isn't harmful but it can be irritating for certain cooks. It is best to try an induction range before making a purchase, which is why many appliance stores provide loaners or showroom kitchens in which you can test the cooktops.

Ceramic

Electric ceramic cookers are the most commonly used type of cooker found in UK kitchens. They are usually flush with the worktop and glazed in glass for sleek and modern appearance They are also simple to keep clean. The flat surface of these units means that there are no crevices for food to get trapped on and a simple wipe over is all that is required. These ovens come with a range of safety features, including hot indicators which show when the zones remain hot and locks that block children from using it.

They work by passing electricity through coiled metal elements under the tempered glass that electronically heats to the desired temperature of your cookware or pan. Although they are not as efficient as induction or gas, they offer a convenient and cost-effective method of cooking. They are prone to scratches if pots or pans are dragged over the surface, however they have shatterproof safety glass.

The flat surface of the ceramic ovens hob makes it easy to heat up and cool down quickly, as the heat is transferred through the cookware instead of the entire hob. This makes them more convenient to use in a bustling household. Ceramic hobs are also expensive, but they are worth it for their style and convenience.

It is essential to keep in mind that whichever type of hob you select it must be based on your own preferences in cooking and lifestyle. Gas or induction hobs could be more suitable for you if you need speed, precision, and energy efficiency. Before you decide on the kind of hob that you wish to purchase, it's important to consider your budget and cookware. Once you've completed this, you can begin searching for the ideal new hob to complement your oven. Our experts are happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us by email or phone, or go to one of our stores. We offer a large selection of products to help you design your dream kitchen.

Halogen

It's incredibly satisfying to bring a halogen hob into your kitchen and watch food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a type of dry-heat cooking, meaning that it heats air or food to high temperatures. A Halogen oven can reach these temperatures much more quickly than conventional ovens, typically in a matter of minutes.

They are also more responsive to temperature changes making them suitable for cooking of all kinds. For ovensandhobs example they are great at roasting and frying, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models are even equipped to grill infrared without the smoke and mess of charcoal.

As well as being relatively fast to warm up the oven, a halogen one is also much more efficient than conventional ovens at reaching the temperature at which it is most efficient and the power will cease to function when it's reached, therefore there's no chance of overheating. The lid is designed to hold heat efficiently spreading it evenly and evenly browning food.

Halogen ovens are available for less than PS40. They can be used to cook or steam, and even the rotisserie. A lot of models come with a glass dish that lets you monitor the food more easily and stops it from burning.

Halogen ovens have some disadvantages. For instance, the bulbs may need to be replaced after a certain period of time. Additionally, some models have flimsy stands to support the element and these are easily knocked over by kids or pets.

Another issue that could be a concern is that halogen ovens may generate some unhealthy byproducts during the heating process. These are known as 'process pollutants' and include acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) which can cause cancer in humans. If you adhere to the guidelines and use a non-stick cookware, you can greatly lower the risk. Halogen ovens typically have a warning sticker on them that highlights the risks and it is important to read the label carefully prior to using the appliance.