Learn About Ovens Hobs While Working From At Home
Types of Ovens
Hobs are the heart of any kitchen, whether you're cooking the kettle or roasting chicken. There are a variety of sizes and styles available and various hob types such as electric, ceramic domino, and electric.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but require a bit of time to cool down or heat down. They are also only compatible with flat-bottomed pots and have heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionized the way we cook, offering modern and sleek design and are easy to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the glass surface that is tempered to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. Most have 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 household cleaners. They don't have open flames, which means they are safer for families with elderly relatives or children. They typically have rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as an indicator for residual heat which warns you when a zone remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.
They cost more than an electric hob, but cheaper than induction models. They are a good option for those who do not have gas at their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other types of hobs but only if your cookware has flat bases that maximize the contact between the elements. The heating system will not recognize pans and pots that aren't the exact same dimensions as the element.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity is risky if it's not done properly. In addition, if you don't have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed can void the warranty and could cause fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit manually with a match or lighter and are controlled by a series of knobs that allow you to manage the heat level while cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they give instant heat as opposed to electric models and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
The disadvantages of gas hobs is that they require a gas supply and ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to set up than electric models. Additionally, they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Another popular option is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans which allows them to boil water faster 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 other types of hobs.
Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both induction and electric models. It's an excellent choice for those who wish to design modern and sleek kitchens. It is important to note that this kind of hob can get very hot to the touch and requires longer to cool down and heat down than electric or gas models.
A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for kitchens that are larger and open-plan layouts, where it can serve as the focal point. It requires a designated space and is installed by an experienced professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled properly.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a popular option for those who want a sleek, efficient way to cook. They use electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils that when a pan that is compatible is placed on top of them emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop stays cool.
Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they're gas or electric. As they only produce heat directly where the pan is placed this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This helps to reduce energy costs. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety function that shuts off the hob if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, thereby reducing the amount of waste.
Induction models, like gas hobs, have a variety of control types such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles a standard cooker knob and allows you to adjust the power level with one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs, and feature a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, which are typically found on higher-end induction models that have advanced features, are another option. These have a clear digital display which makes it easy to read and modify settings.
Induction hobs come with extractors integrated which work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to stop condensation and mould. These can be operated independently from the other hobs and are usually activated via an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when an oven is placed over a cooking area.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a special type of cookware to function. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base in order to generate the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetized bases and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction stoves. However, you should always check with the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before buying the model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a small kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zones of gas, ceramic and induction domino hobs available and even a griddle option from Siemens, you can mix and combine to create a modular kitchen that meets your requirements.
The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements that are heated by sealed metal plates that then heat your cookware. They are cheap, simple to use and durable. However, they may take a little time to warm up and cool down and tend to be more expensive than other hob models.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. The bulbs instantly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob an easy and flexible option. Halogen hobs are less energy-efficient and may be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs, a new kind of hob that is growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones, instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other hobs, but they are more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are another stylish and modern option with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktops to add fluidity to your cooking space. ovens hobs are also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean surface that requires no special cleaning products. Some models feature elegant frameless designs, and also the option of having dials or touch controls, depending on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it gets to an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat that alert you to the presence of a hot hob. The pause feature can temporarily deactivate the cooking zones that are active. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.