The Most Underrated Companies To Keep An Eye On In The Oven Hob Industry
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an elevated flat surface that is used to heat pans and pots. There are several different types of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Features to look out for include touch, rotary and position controls. These controls allow you to control heating zones by pressing a button. They also prevent them from being knocked down easily, especially when they are used by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs combine style and function in a modern kitchen. However the glossy surface is prone to stains and scratches caused by food and burnt-on cooking residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular maintenance and avoiding using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good condition and functioning effectively.
The hobs of this style are heated by passing an electric current through coiled metal components that are hidden beneath the glass surface. These elements produce heat when they are activated using control knobs. Some models have an element that emits heat from the glass's surface. Other models use halogen elements which are more powerful and will heat the entire surface area in successive pulses, making them particularly suitable for cook times that are quick.
A lot of our ceramic hobs come with advanced safety features like residual heat indicators that alert you when the surface remains hot to the touch, thereby preventing burns. Some have child locks to stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
For optimal performance, it's important to use the correct cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures uniform heat distribution and helps avoid hot spots that can cause overcooked or undercooked food. Also, avoid drag pans across the kitchen surface as this could scratch the tempered glass.
We recommend ceramic hobs that have dual-ring designs, or an 'I Flex' zone. It can accommodate two single pots, or one large pan. You'll require a pan of at least 30cm in size to make it register. We also have models with a booster heater for rapid heating in specific zones or pans. This is ideal for stir-fry and searing steak. We also have some models with an auto shut-off feature which turns off the hob after a set time to avoid overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have in place to provide peace of mind. This feature is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel after the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, often called gas cooker or gas stove, is a kitchen appliance that uses an flammable natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as its source of fuel. The flame is used to heat both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for rapid cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming in contact with the flame, thus reducing the risk of burns. This elevated construction does require special care when cleaning or operating the hob in order to avoid spilling liquids onto the burners.
The burners of a traditional gas cooker are operated manually and lit by a matches. Modern models come with an automatic igniter, which makes sure that the gas flame is lit automatically. The flame is then controlled by the knobs that control it, making it simple to alter the heat level as needed. Based on the model, a few gas hobs also have multi-flame burners for increased cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides to a gas stove is that it requires a continuous supply of gas, which can be a hassle if you reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to prevent the risk of corrosion and leaks. Gas hobs should only be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who can guarantee that the installation is safe and adhere to strict safety protocols.
Although induction and electric hobs are getting more popular however, there is a substantial market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preferences and environmental concerns, as well local prices for energy and availability. It is essential to take into consideration the cost of utility and infrastructure before selecting a kitchen style.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite among our clients who are looking for a sleek, clean-looking kitchen. They use magnetism to warm the pans instead of an oven or a plate that is heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are situated beneath the glass ceramic surface. An electric current that is alternating is run through them. When an induction-compatible pot or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient as well. The glass-ceramic surfaces remain cool to the touch and is also easy to clean.
Induction hobs are designed to be easier than gas hobs to clean. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking as great as new.
The main limitation with cooking induction is that you'll need have suitable cookware for it. All cookware, including cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick are required to have an iron base that is magnetized. 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 that are available that range from low-cost models to top brands that feature a TFT display with a comprehensive operating menu. If a pan is placed in a zone of power, the hob will display its position on the full-color display, and also have a control button or slider which allows you to change the power setting or set an alarm. There are a variety of clever accessories, including pan sensors that stick to the sides of cookware and communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction cooker that includes a built-in extractor fan that helps to reduce the smoke, steam and cooking smells. This model is perfect for homes with limited space since it eliminates the need for an additional extractor fan. Like other induction hobs it uses magnetic fields with frequencies in the kilohertz range to generate the heat that is absorbed by your pan and its contents. In normal operation, at the distance of 5-10 centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value for the magnetic flux density set for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health effects are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match the majority of kitchen designs. They are ideal for those who prefer touch controls over dials, and they come with a variety of options that will suit your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass, which is easy to clean and can look elegant if you opt for a white or black design. Some models have a bridge function to combine two zones to make room for larger pans. While others have the power boost button to provide extra heat when you're performing a task that is particularly difficult.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity due to their contemporary and sleek design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They cook quickly and offer the highest level of safety. For example they cool down quicker than gas cookers and have a 'hot' indicator light that remains on to warn 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 around it.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration when selecting an electric hob. The majority of them require an electric power source that is set up with the right cables and breakers. We suggest installing it by a licensed electrician. Induction hob s can be expensive and you'll have to purchase a set of compatible induction pans if you want to make the most of them. They can be more expensive due to the fact that they consume more energy.
If you're thinking about the possibility of a new kitchen or replacing the current hob, why not take a an look at our wide range of kitchen appliances? We can assist you in choosing the best oven hob to suit your cooking style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you have. We offer an all-encompassing delivery service and will even install your new appliance for you If you'd like us to.