A Complete Guide To Ovens Hobs Dos And Don'ts
Types of Ovens
Hobs are at the heart of any kitchen, no matter if you're boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are various hob types to choose from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they take some time to cool down or heat down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic method of cooking. They have a fashionable and sleek design, while remaining simple to operate. They work by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs can be found in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones The majority of them feature a black-glazed finish that is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
They have smooth, flat surfaces that are easy to clean. You can use any kitchen cleaner that you would normally use. They don't feature open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for people with children or elderly relatives in the home. Typically, they feature controls that can be rotary or touch for added safety and a residual heat indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot even after the pan is removed from the hob.
They are more expensive than a standard electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a good choice for those that don't have gas installed at their residence. Similar to induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs however only if your cookware has an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. The heating system will not recognise pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as the element.
It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work is risky if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe for use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, or a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit by hand using matches or lighters, and controlled by a series of knobs that let you regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat when compared to electric hobs and can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.
Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring ventilation and gas supply system to function. This makes them more costly to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose an hazard for safety since they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks.
Another popular choice is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much quicker than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. best hob uk can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can be more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It can be found on both electric and induction models, and is the best option for those who prefer an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this kind of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and takes 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 with a larger size and open-plan layouts where it can act as the focal point. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.
Hobs Induction
A popular option for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, create a magnetic field which creates an electric current to pass through the base. This creates heat that quickly warms the food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known for being much more efficient in energy use than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area where the pan is located which means less the amount of waste and energy used. Many induction hobs also come with a safety function that shuts off the hob when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, further reducing the amount of waste.
Like gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. The slider control is like a standard knob on a cooker and lets you alter the power level in a 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, which is typically found on more expensive and advanced induction models. Hobs with touchscreens feature an electronic display that is easy to read and adjust.
As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs may be fitted with extractors built-in, which work together with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated separately from the other hobs and are usually activated through an electronic sensor or button. They can also be programmed to automatically turn on when an oven is placed over a cooking area.
The biggest drawback of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process, and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron and stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure your pan is suitable before purchasing a new model.
Domino Hobs
The versatility of a domino hob is perfect for those with smaller kitchens but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. You can create an open kitchen by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves. There's even a Siemens griddle.
The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs make use of electrical elements heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. These are easy to use, cheap and durable. However, they do take a bit of time to cool down and heat down and are more expensive than other hob types.
The Halogen model is a sought-after alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs that are placed on a glass ceramic substrate to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive since the bulbs glow quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and may be damaged by scratching the surface.
Induction hobs are an innovative and becoming more popular type of hob, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other hobs, but they are more expensive and require compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless appearance and can be customized with buttons or dials, according to your preference.
Things to look for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element when it is at a dangerous temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators which will warn you of an overheated hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off all cooking zones in use. This can be useful if you need to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.