Types of Ovens
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a range of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to pick from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take a while to warm up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans, and may have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are an excellent way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek appearance and are simple to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in various designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with an opaque black surface that is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They don't feature open flames, making them a safer option for those with young children or elderly relatives living in the home. Typically, they feature the option of a touch or rotary control to ensure safety as well as a residual heat indicator which warns you when an area is still hot after the pan is removed from the stove.
They are more expensive than electric hobs, however, they are cheaper than induction models. They can be an ideal choice for those who don't have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient if you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the area of contact with the elements. Pans and pots that aren't exactly the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly.
It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, because working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and cause future fire hazards. It's worth it to have 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 usually built into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit manually with a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs that adjust the heat during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any manner.
The drawbacks of gas hobs are that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, making them more expensive to set up than electric ones and they may not be as efficient as induction hobs. best ovens and hobs ovensandhobs are also a safety hazard as they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much quicker than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. Induction hobs are only compatible with pots that are compatible with induction and be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Other options include a glass ceramic hob, which offers a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models and is usually the best option for those looking to add modern, sleek design to their kitchen. It is important to know that this model can become extremely hot and take a lot longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas hobs or stoves are a more conventional choice that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan designs where they can be the focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Hobs induction
Induction hobs are a favorite choice for those who prefer a sleek and efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a suitable pan is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that quickly warms food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being much more efficient in energy use than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located, which reduces the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs have the safety feature of shutting the appliance off if there is no pan detected or when it is removed. This reduces the amount of waste.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with a variety of control options, including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob, and feature a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature an electronic display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated that work in conjunction with the hood to remove smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated separately from the rest and are typically activated by an electronic sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking zone.
The major drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to allow for 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 commonly used with induction hobs, but you should always follow the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is suitable prior to purchasing the latest model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino stove is perfect for those who have a small kitchen but still want to explore cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and mix to create a modular cooking space that suits your needs.
The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements that are heated by sealed metal plates which in turn heat your cookware. They are affordable, simple to use and hard-wearing. They may take a while to cool down and heat, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model which utilizes a row of halogen bulbs under a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this type of hob a fast and flexible option. However, halogen hobs may be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface as well as being less energy efficient than other hobs.
Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a 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. Certain models have a fashionable frameless design and can be customized using dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, be sure to look for features like overheat protection. This shuts off the heating element when it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators, which inform you when your hob is hot to the contact and could cause burns. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate all active cooking zones and can be useful if you have to leave the kitchen for a while.