Types of Ovens Hobs
Hobs are the center of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling the kettle or roasting a chicken. There are many different designs and sizes to choose from, as well as different hob styles, including ceramic, electric and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take a while to heat up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces which are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They don't have open flames, so they are safer for families with elderly or children. They typically come with control knobs that are rotary or touch to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that warns you if the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the oven.
They cost more than electric hobs, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who do not have gas at their home. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with flat bases that maximize the contact between the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same dimensions as the element.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity can be dangerous if not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and cause fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit manually using a match or lighter and are controlled by various knobs that allow you to manage the heat level while cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric hobs. They can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system for operation. This makes them more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also a safety hazard as they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction hob that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows the water to boil faster than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs work only with pots that are compatible with induction and cost more than other types of hobs.
Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob that has an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models and is usually the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more traditional option that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan layouts where they can be a focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is typically installed by professionals who are competent to manage the installation process, which involves dealing with gas connections that could pose risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top of them emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms the food inside the pan while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located, which reduces waste and energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that stops the stove if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.
Induction models, including gas hobs, come with a variety of control types including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple motion. A dial control is similar, with a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.
Induction hobs come with extractors integrated which work with the hood to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen, and to keep out mould and condensation. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and are usually activated by the use of a sensor or button, and they can also be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in the cooking zone.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are all commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always check the manufacturer's advice to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen but still desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching the two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.
The most basic of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and long-lasting. They can take a long time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.
The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of with halogen lamps that sit on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This type of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs glow quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and can be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming increasingly popular, use electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. They are more cost effective and environmentally friendly than other types of hobs However, they can be more expensive than gas and need specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern option with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models come with elegant frameless designs, and also the option of having dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. The pause feature can temporarily disable the active cooking zones. This is useful if you need to leave the kitchen.