7 Things You Never Knew About Ovens Hobs
Types of Ovens The hob is the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted an entire chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are different hob types to pick from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic. Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long 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 way we cook, presenting a sleek and stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. They function with heating elements that are placed under the tempered glass surface to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. Most have an opaque black surface which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips. The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep – you can even use household cleaners. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for people who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. Most of the time, they have rotary or touch control options to increase safety, as well as an indicator for residual heat which warns you when a zone is still hot after the pan is removed from the hob. They are more expensive than an electric hob, but cheaper than induction models. They are an option for those who do not have gas at their home. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other kinds of hobs, but only if your cookware has an elongated base that maximizes the surface contact with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system, and therefore won't function properly. It is crucial to hire a licensed electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done properly. Additionally, failing to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and create potential fire dangers 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 natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is usually is installed inside your kitchen countertop or kitchen unit. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit by hand using a match or lighter and are controlled by a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they offer instant heat when compared to electric hobs. They can be used for any type of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing. The drawbacks of gas hobs is that they require the use of gas and a ventilation system to function, which makes them more expensive to set up than electric ones and they aren't as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to look for leaks. Another option that is popular is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans, allowing them to boil water much faster than gas models and offering precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and are a bit more expensive than some other hobs. Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It's available on both induction and electric models, and is the best choice for those who want an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type of hob can be extremely hot to the touch and requires longer to cool and heat down compared to electric or gas models. Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional option that is perfect for homes with large kitchens and open-plan layouts where they can be an eye-catching feature. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by professionals. Gas connections can be risky if not handled correctly. Hobs Induction Induction hobs are an ideal choice for those who prefer a sleek and efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat pans. Under the glass surface are coils which, when a compatible pan is placed on the top, emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This produces heat that rapidly warms the food inside the pan, while the cooktop stays cool. Induction hobs are also renowned for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which helps reduce energy consumption and waste. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature that stops the stove in the event that no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste. Induction models, such as gas hobs come with various types of controls including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control resembles an ordinary cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level with just one simple movement. Dial controls are similar to standard knobs and have a large dial that can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and alter settings. In addition to the technology, induction hobs can be fitted with extractors built-in, which work in conjunction with the hood to draw smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. They can be operated in a way that is distinct from the rest and are usually activated through an electronic sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically turn on when a pan is placed over a cooking area. Induction hobs are limited due to the requirement for special cookware to work. ovens and hobs uk is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to be able generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction cooktops. However, you must always consult the manufacturer to make sure that your pan is compatible before purchasing the model. Domino Hobs Domino hobs are perfect for those with a small kitchen, but desire the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. You can create a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching two-zone gas, ceramic, and induction domino stoves and even a Siemens griddle. Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They use sealed metal plates to heat electrical elements. They then warm your cookware. These are easy to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. However, they do take a while to heat up and cool down, and are more expensive than other hob models. A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen model, which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive since the bulbs light up quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and may be damaged by scraping the surface. Best place to buy oven and hob are a new and becoming more popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally efficient and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require compatible cookware. Ceramic hobs, with their flat design that blends seamlessly with your worktop are a fashionable and modern option. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models feature sleek frameless design and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference. The most important features to look out for when purchasing a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators which will warn you of a hot hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily deactivate all active cooking zones and can be useful if you need to leave the kitchen for a time.