Types of Ovens
The hob is the center of every kitchen, no matter if you are boiling a kettle or roasted an entire chicken. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from such as electric, gas, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs have smooth surfaces and are easy to clean, however they require a bit of time to heat up or cool down. They also only work with flat-bottomed pans and may include heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs are a fantastic way to cook. They provide a chic and sleek design and are simple to operate. The ceramic hobs work by using heating elements beneath the glass surface that is tempered to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in various designs, ranging from traditional electric and gas burners to more contemporary designs. They are generally equipped with an opaque black surface which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.
The smooth flat surfaces of these hobs are very easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use common kitchen cleaners. They also don't have open flames, which makes them a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Most of the time, they have the option of a touch or rotary control for added safety and a residual heat indicator that warns you when the area is still hot after the pan is removed from the stove.
They are more expensive than a basic electric hob but are less expensive than an induction model. They can be a good option for those that do not have gas on their residence. Like induction models, these can be more efficient if you use cookware with flat bottoms that increase the surface area of contact with the elements. Pots and pans that aren't exactly the same size as your element will not be recognized by the heating system so won't function properly.
It is crucial to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be risky if it's not done correctly. If you do not have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could 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 hobs or gas cooktops are powered by liquefied petroleum gases (LPG). They are typically built into countertops or kitchen units. It comprises a number of burners that can be lit manually with matches or lighters, and controlled with a series of knobs that permit you to regulate the temperature during cooking. The main advantage of gas hobs is that they give instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering to boiling to frying or sauteing.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of requiring a gas supply and ventilation system for operation. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also dangerous because they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks.
Induction hobs are yet another popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This allows them to boil water quicker than gas models and offer precise temperature control. However, induction hobs only work with pans that have an induction connection and can be a bit more expensive than other hobs.
Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It has a sleek look and is easy to clean. This type of hob is available in both induction and electric models. It's a great choice for those looking to create an elegant and modern kitchen. It is important to note that this type of hob can become very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down compared to electric or gas models.
Freestanding gas stoves or gas hobs are a more traditional choice that is ideal for kitchens with large spaces and open-plan designs where they can serve as an eye-catching feature. It requires a separate space and is installed by a professional. Gas connections are a risk if they're not handled properly.
Induction Hobs
A popular choice for those who want a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hob s use electromagnetic induction technology to heat 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 creates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan while the cooktop remains cool.
Induction hobs are also recognized for being much more energy efficient than conventional gas or electric models. They only heat the space where a pan is placed which means less energy consumption and waste. A majority of induction hobs come with the safety feature of shutting the hob off if there is no pan detected or in the event that it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Like gas hobs and induction models have various types of controls that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to an ordinary cooker knob and lets you alter the power level with just one simple motion. Dial controls are like a standard knob, and feature a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, usually found on higher-end and more advanced induction models. They have an enlightened digital display that makes it easy to read and modify settings.
In addition to the technology, induction hobs can be fitted with built-in extractors which work in conjunction with the hood to draw steam and smoke out of the kitchen and stop condensation and mould. They can be operated independently from the other components of the appliance. They are typically activated by a button or sensor and can be set to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in an area for cooking.
The main disadvantage of induction hobs is that they require a particular type of cookware to function. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to generate the electromagnetic process. However 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, although you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying an entirely new model.
Domino Hobs
The potential of a domino hob is perfect for those with smaller kitchens but want to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens you can mix and match to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.
The simplest type of hob Solid plate hobs utilize electric elements that are that are heated by sealed metal plates, which then heat your cookware. These are easy to use, affordable and long-lasting. They can take a long time to cool down and heat and are more costly to run than other kinds of hobs.
A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, that uses a row glowing halogen bulbs set on a glass ceramic to generate heat. The bulbs rapidly light up and transfer heat directly to the pan when activated, making this kind of hob a quick and responsive choice. However, halogen hobs can be prone to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less efficient than other types of hob.
Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming more popular type of hob, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas rather than the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, however they can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs with their flat-shaped design that blends seamlessly into your worktops, are a stylish and modern option. They provide a smoother experience to the cooking area. They are also easy to clean with the ability to wipe clean surfaces that require no special cleaning products. Some models feature elegant frameless designs, and the option to have dials or touch controls depending on your preference.
When you are buying a new stove, make sure you look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Check for residual heat indicators that will alert you to an overheated hob. A pause function may temporarily deactivate the active cooking zones. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.