Types of Ovens
The hob is the center of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and there are various hob types to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They can only be used with flat-bottomed pots and include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a great method of cooking. They provide a chic and sleek aesthetic, while remaining easy to operate. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface, which is tempered, to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. The majority feature a black glazed surface that is tough and resistant to scratches and chips.
The hobs have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any household cleaner. They don't feature open flames, making them a safer option for those with children or elderly relatives living in the house. Most of the time, they have the option of a touch or rotary control to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator that warns you when an area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than a standard electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those who don't have gas installed at their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if your cookware is fitted with flat bases that maximize the contact surface with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system and will not function correctly.
It is essential to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob because working with electricity can be risky if it's not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop will be safe to use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically built into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit manually with matches or lighters. They are controlled with knobs to adjust the heat during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models, and they can be used to cook in any style.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a ventilation and gas supply system to function. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.
Another option that is popular is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow the water to boil quicker than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only use pans that are compatible with induction and are a bit more expensive than some other types of hob.
Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's a great option for those who want to build modern and sleek kitchens. It's important to note that this type of model can get very hot and takes longer to cool and heat than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more conventional choice that is suitable for homes with large kitchens and open-plan designs in which they are a focal point. It requires a space and is typically fitted by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that can present dangers if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
A popular option for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On oven are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to pass through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also renowned for being more energy-efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the space where the pan is set which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety function that stops the stove when no pan is found or if the pan has been removed, further reducing the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs and induction models have a variety of control options that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a knob on a cooker, and allows you adjust the power level in a simple movement. A dial control is similar, with a large dial which can be rotated to select the setting you want. Hobs with touchscreens, which are usually found on more expensive induction models, with more advanced features, are another option. These hobs have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs can be fitted with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen and prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other components of the appliance. They are usually activated by a button or sensor, and they can also be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed on a cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited due to the fact that they require specialized cookware to function. The bottom of the pot has to be magnetic to be able to create 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 and some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure the pan you are using is compatible before purchasing a new model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is ideal for those with an insufficient kitchen but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. You can build an open kitchen by mixing and matching the two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens grill.
Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple kind of hobs. They utilize sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use, and durable. However, they do take a while to warm up and cool down and tend to be more expensive to operate than other hob models.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic substrate to produce heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage from scraping against the hard-wearing surface and are also less energy efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs, a brand new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more cost effective and green than other hob styles However, they can be more expensive than gas and require specific cookware compatible with induction.
Ceramic hobs with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktop, are a stylish and modern choice. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models come with sleek frameless design and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.
Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. You should also check for residual heat indicators, which will inform you when your hob is too hot to point of contact and can cause burns. The pause feature can temporarily deactivate the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.