Types of Ovens

Hobs are the center of any kitchen, whether you're boiling the kettle or roasting chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available and different hob styles that include electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs (read this post from Torayche) have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take some time to warm up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans, and may include heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, hobs providing an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. The ceramic hobs function employing heating elements underneath the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with black glazed surfaces that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use most standard kitchen cleaner products. They also don't have open flames so are a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. They usually come with rotary or touch controls for safety, as well as an indicator of residual temperature that alerts you if a zone remains hot after removing the pan from the stove.

They are more expensive than a basic electric hob but cheaper than an induction model. They could be a good choice for those who do not have gas on their home. Similar to induction models are more efficient when you use cookware with flat bottoms that maximize the surface area of contact with elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognised by the heating system and will not function correctly.

It is crucial to hire an electrician to install your ceramic best hob. Electricity can be dangerous if not done correctly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's worth having peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit by hand using matches or a lighter. They are controlled by knobs that alter the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they offer instant heat compared to electric models and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

Gas hobs come with the disadvantage of needing a gas supply and ventilation system for operation. This means they are more expensive to install and hobs may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security danger since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Another popular option is an induction hob which makes use of electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow the water to boil more quickly than gas models, and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with pans that have an induction connection and are a bit more expensive than other types of hob.

Another alternative 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 a great choice for those looking to create modern and sleek kitchens. It is important to know that this type of model can get extremely hot and take a lot longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a more traditional choice that's suitable for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan layouts, where it can act as an accent piece. It requires a separate space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Hobs Induction

A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a pot compatible with them is placed on them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electric current to flow through its base. This generates heat which quickly warms the food inside the cooktop, while it remains cool to the touch.

Induction hobs are also known for being much more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. Because they produce heat directly where a pan is located, this reduces the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This also helps save on energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan or when it is removed. This reduces waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs, have a variety of control types such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles an ordinary cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level by one simple movement. A dial control is similar, having a large dial which can be rotated to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs are another option, which is typically found on more expensive and advanced induction models. They have a digital display that is easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs oven are available with integrated extractors which work with the hood to eliminate steam and smoke from the kitchen, and to prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the rest and are usually activated via a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on when an oven is placed over a cooking zone.

Induction hobs are restricted by the fact that they require specialized cookware to work. The bottom of the pan needs to have a magnetic base in order to allow for the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base and certain non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, but you should always read the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure your pan is suitable before buying the latest model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen who still want the flexibility to experiment with different cooking styles. You can create an open kitchen by mixing and matching the two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest type of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements, which then heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and durable. However, they can take a while to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other hob models.

The halogen model is a popular alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and transfer heat directly into the pan. However, halogen hobs can be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, as well as being less energy efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is becoming more popular, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat-style design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean with a wipe-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models feature a stylish frameless design, and the ability to have dials or touch controls based on your preference.

When buying a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it gets to a dangerous temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to the presence of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.