Types of best Ovens

The hob is the heart of every kitchen, whether you are cooking a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and there are different hob types to choose from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.

Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, but take a while to heat up or cool down. They only work with pans that have flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing a sleek and stylish aesthetic and are easy to use. They work by utilizing heating elements beneath the glass surface, which is tempered, to disperse heat efficiently and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various styles, from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.

The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep - you can even use most common kitchen cleaners. They don't also have open flames so are an ideal choice for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the home. They typically come with rotary or touch controls to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if the area remains hot after the pan is removed from the stove.

They are more expensive than a standard electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a great option for those that don't have gas installed at their residence. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient if you cookware has a flat bottom that maximizes the surface area of contact with elements. Pots and pans that are not EXACTLY the same size as the element will not be recognised by the heating system so will not function correctly.

It is important to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work is risky if it's not done correctly. Moreover, failure to have your ceramic cooktop professionally installed could void the warranty and could cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and knowing that your new cooktop is safe for use.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and typically built into your kitchen unit or countertop. It comprises a number of burners which can be lit manually using a match or lighter and controlled with a series of knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. The primary benefit of gas hobs is that they provide instant heat as opposed to electric hobs and can be used for any style of cooking, from simmering to boiling to sauteing or frying.

Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply system and ventilation to function. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a safety risk since they are powered by flammable gases and need regular maintenance to identify gas leaks.

Another option that is popular is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans which allows them to boil water much faster than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a little more expensive than other hobs.

Another option is a ceramic-glass hob. It is sleek and is easy to clean. This kind of hob is available on both electric and induction models. It's an excellent choice for those who want to build a sleek and modern kitchen. It's important to remember that this model can become very hot and take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for homes with larger kitchens and open-plan designs where it can serve as a focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be risky if not handled properly.

Hobs Induction

A popular option for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. On the glass surface are coils that, when a compatible pot is placed on them, emit a magnet field which creates an electric current to flow through the base. This produces heat that rapidly warms up the food in the pan while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also renowned for being a lot more energy efficient than conventional electric or gas models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located which helps reduce the amount of waste and energy used. Induction hobs are often equipped with a safety feature that will shut off the appliance if no pan is detected or if the pan is removed, further reducing the amount of waste.

Induction models, such as gas hobs, come with various control options including slide, dial, and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to a standard cooker knob and lets you adjust the power level with one simple motion. A dial control is similar, with a large dial which can be turned to select the setting you want. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on higher-end induction models with advanced features, are another option. These hobs have digital displays that are easy to read and adjust.

As an additional piece of technology, induction hobs may 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 separately from the other hobs and are usually activated by a sensor or button. They can also be set up to automatically switch on once the pan is placed over a cooking area.

Induction hobs are restricted by the requirement for special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan needs to be magnetic to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then it isn't guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with magnetic bases, and certain nonstick pans may be used with induction stoves. However, you must always consult the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is compatible before buying a 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 a modular kitchen area by mixing and matching two-zone ceramic, gas, and induction domino stoves, and even a Siemens griddle.

The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are heated by sealed metal plates which in turn heat your cookware. These are easy to use, cheap and durable. They can take a long time to heat and cool down, and are more expensive to run than other kinds of hobs.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, that uses a row halogen bulbs under a 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 a fast and flexible choice. 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 are an innovative and increasingly popular type of hob employing electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. They are more affordable and eco-friendly than other types of hobs However, they can be more expensive than gas and need specific induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option, with their flat design seamlessly blending into the worktop, adding an airy feel to your kitchen. They are also easy to clean, with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Certain models have a fashionable frameless design and can be customized using buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.

When purchasing a new stove, make sure you look for features like overheat protection. This will shut off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that will alert you to an overheated hob. Also, a pause feature allows you to temporarily turn off all active cooking zones and is useful when you have to leave the kitchen for a short period of time.