5 Must-Know Ovens Hobs Practices You Need To Know For 2024
Types of Ovens The hob is the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available, as well as a variety of hob types that include electric, ceramic and domino. Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a range of styles, from traditional gas burners to contemporary electric zones The majority of them feature a black glazed finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches. The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one go – you can even use standard kitchen cleaner products. They also don't have open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people with young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator of residual heat that alerts you if an area is still hot after the pan has been removed from the oven. They are more expensive than a basic electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They could be a great option for those who do not have gas on their property. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans that aren't exactly the same dimensions as the element. It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity can be dangerous if not done properly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's worth having peace of mind knowing that 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 installed in your kitchen unit or countertop. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters and are controlled by knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing. Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system for operation. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks. Induction hobs are another popular choice. They make use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models, and provide precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that have an induction compatible design and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs. Other options include a glass ceramic hob that has sleek design and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great option for those who wish to design an elegant and modern kitchen. However, best oven uk noting that this type of hob can get very hot to the touch and takes longer to cool down and heat down than gas or electric models. Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly. Induction Hobs Induction hobs are a favorite option for those looking for an elegant, efficient method to cook. They make use of electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field that creates an electric current to flow through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms food inside, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch. Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are gas or electric. They only heat the area in which a pan is placed which helps reduce the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs feature an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or if it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted. Like gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level with a simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are usually found on more expensive induction models that have advanced features, are a different option. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and modify settings. Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are typically activated through a sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking area. Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require specialized cookware to function. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always follow the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure your pan is suitable before purchasing an entirely new model. Domino Hobs The potential of a domino hob is ideal for those with smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle. The most basic of hob types, solid plate hobs use electric elements that are heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and durable. However, they do take a bit of time to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive to operate than other hob types. The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface in order to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob an easy and flexible choice. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and may be damaged by scraping the surface. Induction hobs are an innovative and becoming more popular type of hob, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more eco green and economical than other types of hobs, but they are more expensive and require compatible cookware. Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add fluidity to your cooking space. They are also easy to clean, with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless design and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preferences. When buying a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to an overheated hob. The pause feature can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.