Types of Ovens

The hob is at the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting a chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to pick from such as electric, gas ceramic, and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. These best hobs only work with pans that have a flat bottom and may also come with heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.

They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the oven.

They are more expensive than electric hobs however, they are less expensive than induction models. They are an option for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you cookware has flat bottoms that maximize the area of contact with elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans in the event that they are not exactly the same size as the element.

It is crucial to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity can be dangerous if not done properly. In the event that you don't have your ceramic stove professionally installed could invalidate the warranty and result in future fire hazards. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, or a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually installed in your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners which can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled with a series of knobs that permit you to control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any way.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans which allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.

Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe clean. This type of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those who wish to design modern and sleek kitchens. It is important to know that this type of model can get very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more conventional choice that is suitable for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It requires a dedicated space and is typically installed by professionals who are able to handle the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that can pose risks if not handled correctly.

Hobs Induction

Induction hobs are a popular option for those who want a sleek, efficient way to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils that when a suitable pan is placed on 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 in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are electric or gas. Since they produce heat directly where a pan is located This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. It can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs feature an safety feature that shuts the hob off if there is no pan detected or in the event that it is removed. This can reduce the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level with a simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, which is typically found on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They have clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings.

In addition to the tech, induction hobs can be equipped with built-in extractors that work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated through the use of a sensor or a button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once an oven is placed over a cooking area.

The main disadvantage of induction hobs oven is that they require a particular kind of cookware in order to operate. The bottom of the pot has to have a magnetic base in order to be able to create the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless-steel that has magnetized bases, and some nonstick pans can all be used with induction stoves. However, it is recommended to always consult the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible prior to purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have smaller kitchens but want to explore cooking styles. You can build a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.

The simplest of hob types, solid plate hobs use electrical elements heated by sealed plates that then heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. They can take a long time to cool down and heat and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic surface to produce heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob a quick and responsive option. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and are susceptible to damage by scratching the surface.

Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. They are more economical and green than other hob styles, but they can be more expensive than gas and will require specific induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs with their flat design that seamlessly blends into your worktops are a fashionable and modern choice. They can add a touch of fluidity to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless design and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

When buying a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators which will warn you of a hot hob. A pause feature lets you temporarily disable all active cooking zones and can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.