Types of Ovens
Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether you're boiling an kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles and there are a variety of hob types to pick from, including electric, gas ceramic, domino and ceramic.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and have smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. These hobs only work with pans with flat bottoms 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. They function by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. Most have a black glazed surface which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can clean them with any standard kitchen cleaner. They don't feature open flames so are an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives in the house. They typically feature the option of touch or rotary controls to ensure safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if an area remains hot even after removing the pan from the stove.
They cost more than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a good option for those that don't have gas installed at their residence. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if the cookware you use has an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system and will not function correctly.
It is essential to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Working with electricity is risky if it's not done correctly. 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 a small cost to pay to ensure your security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are usually built into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit manually with matches or lighters. They are controlled with knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they offer instant heat when compared to electric hobs. They can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to install than electric models and they aren't as efficient in terms of energy use as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Induction hobs are another popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and also provide precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than some other hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to remember that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and takes longer to heat up and cool down than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts where it can serve as a focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled correctly.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer a sleek, efficient way to cook. They make use of electromagnetic Induction Hob to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on the top emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs are also known for being more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is placed This reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature which shuts off the hob when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, further reducing waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models have various types of controls, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you to adjust the power level with a simple motion. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, which is typically found on more expensive and advanced induction models. They feature an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and modify settings.
As an additional piece of tech, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors that work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are usually activated by a button or sensor, and they can also be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed in an area for cooking.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base 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 a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all typically used with induction hobs, but you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before buying the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are ideal for those with a smaller kitchen but still desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen space by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.
The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements heated by sealed plates, which then heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and hard-wearing. They can take some time to cool and heat up, and are more expensive to operate than other types of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which uses a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a quick and flexible choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming more popular type of stove, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally green and economical than other types of hobs, however they can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless appearance and can be customized with dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
Features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. You should also check for residual heat indicators that will inform you when your hob is hot to contact and could cause burns. A pause function can temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is helpful when you need to leave the kitchen.