Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods For Saying Oven Hob
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is flat cooking surface that is placed over your oven to heat your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hob including electric, gas and induction.
The features to look for include rotary, touch and position controls. These controls let you control heating zones by pressing the button. They also protect them from being smashed easily, especially if they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to scratches and stains from food and burnt-on cooking residues. To keep your hob looking good and working efficiently you must follow a regular cleaning routine. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pad.
Hobs of this kind are heated by transferring an electrical current through coiled metal elements which are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Certain models feature an element that radiates that emits heat across the glass surface. Others employ halogen elements, which are far more powerful and heat the entire surface in a series of pulses, making them particularly suitable for quick cook times.
Some of our ceramic hobs are equipped with advanced safety features, like a residual heat indicator that warns you when the surface remains hot to the touch. This can prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs have child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
For maximum performance, it's important to select the right cookware for your ceramic hob. It is important that your pans have flat bottoms, because this ensures even heating and helps avoid hot spots which can cause food to be undercooked or overcooked. Also, avoid moving pans across the surface, as this can scratch the glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs with dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex zone. This can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll need a pan with a minimum size of 30cm to register. We also have models with booster heaters for quick heating in specific zones or pans. This is great for stir-fry and searing steak. Certain models come with an automatic shut-off function that shuts off the hob at a specific time to prevent overheating. This is a useful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is usually activated by pressing the "Power button' on the control panel when you have an appliance set up to the maximum temperature and there is no activity for a set period of time.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as a gas stove or gas cooker is an appliance in the kitchen that uses the flammable natural or the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat cookware as well as the air surrounding it which enables quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob offers additional security as it stops the body from coming in contact with the flame, reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require particular attention when cleaning or using the hob in order to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is lit by a match or by a pilot light and the burners are controlled manually. More recent models feature an automatic igniter, which ensures that the gas is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled through the control knobs making it easy to alter the heat level according to your needs. Some gas hobs come with multiple flame burners, based on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
Gas hobs require a constant gas supply, which can be a problem if you live in a region that has a non-reliable or unstable supply. Additionally, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent harmful corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can ensure an efficient installation and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Gas appliances are still popular in some areas, even though electric and induction hobs have grown in popularity. This is partly due to the preferences of consumers and environmental concerns, as well as local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility expenses and infrastructure before selecting a type of hob.
Hobs Induction
Induction hobs are the most popular choice for our customers who want an elegant, modern kitchen. Magnetism is used to heat the pans, instead of a heated surface or burning gas underneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic's surface. ovens hobs of alternating electricity is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed on top of the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much faster than traditional gas hobs, and is more energy efficient too. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and is also easy to wipe down.
As with other modern hobs, induction ones are also designed to be easier to clean than their gas counterparts. A simple wipe with an damp cloth is all you need to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The primary drawback with induction cooking is that you must have the right cookware. All pans including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick, must have a magnetized base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
There are a variety of induction hobs available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature TFT displays and an extensive menu of operating options. The hob will show the pan's position in full-color when it is placed in a power zone. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a clock. There are also smart accessories that are available, like pan sensors that adhere to the sides of your cookware, and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to regulate the power in a precise manner.
Induction hobs that have a built-in fan reduce steam, smoke and cooking odors. This model is ideal for homes with a limited space since it does not require an extractor fan. Similar to other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields that operate within the kilohertz spectrum to create the heat that indirectly affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation the magnetic fields are within the range of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection's reference values for the magnetic density for the relevant frequency. No health effects should be expected.
Electric Hobs
The best electric hobs provide a sleek finish and are designed to match all kitchen styles. They are perfect for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a range of options that can meet your cooking requirements. They are mostly made of glass which is easy to clean, and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Some come with the ability to bridge two zones to accommodate larger pans while others include the power boost button to provide additional heat when performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook fast and offer a high degree of security. For instance they tend to cool down faster than gas cookers and have a "hot" indicator light that remains on to alert you when the cooking zone is hot to the touch. They are also more efficient because the magnetic field only heats the pan, not the air surrounding it.
However, there are things to bear in mind when choosing an induction hob which is that most require a power supply that is fitted with the correct breakers and cables, so we'd recommend having your electric hob installed by a qualified electrician. They can also be expensive and you'll require an induction pan that is compatible with the pans to get the most out of them. They can also be more expensive to run because they generally consume more energy than other types of hobs.
Why not take a look at our extensive selection of kitchen appliances if you're considering the purchase of a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob? We can help you select the ideal oven hob for your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are on hand to talk through your options and answer any questions you may have. We offer an nationwide service and will install your new appliance if you wish.