What Will Oven Hob Be Like In 100 Years?
Types of Oven Hob
A hob is an uncooked surface that sits above your oven to cook your pots and pans. There are a variety of types of hob such as electric, gas, and induction.
Look for features such as buttons that rotate or touch controls. They allow you to control the heating zones at the touch of a button, and also prevent them from being tripped over easily, especially by children.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs offer style and functionality in a contemporary kitchen. The glossy surface can be damaged by food scratch marks and other residues. Keep your kitchen clean by following regular cleaning and avoidance of using harsh cleaners or scrubbing pads is key to keeping it in good shape and functioning efficiently.
These types of hobs are heated by passing an electrical current through coiled elements hidden beneath the glass surface, which generate heat when activated via control knobs. Certain models feature a radiant element that emits heat across the glass surface. Certain models have the halogen element, which is more powerful. They can heat the entire surface with successions of pulses.
Many of our ceramic hobs have advanced safety features such as residual heat indicators that warn you when the surface remains hot to the touch to prevent burns. Some ceramic hobs are equipped with child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
It is crucial to choose the right cookware for your ceramic hob. This will ensure that your pans are flat-bottomed. This ensures even heat distribution and helps to prevent hot spots that could cause overcooked or undercooked food. It is also important to avoid moving pans across the surface since this could scratch the glass.
For greater flexibility when cooking we recommend ceramic hobs that feature dual ring design or I-Flex's zone that can accommodate either two single pots or one large pan (you'll need to have a minimum 30cm sized pan for it to register). Additionally, we have models with a booster burner for rapid heating of specific zones or pots - great for stir-fry and searing steak. There are also models with an auto shut-off feature that switches off the hob after a specified time to prevent it from overheating. This is a helpful safety feature to have for peace of mind. This function is activated by pressing 'Power on the control panel once the appliance has reached its maximum temperature.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also referred to as a gas cooker or gas stove is an appliance in the kitchen that uses flammable natural or liquid petroleum gas (LPG) as the source of fuel. The flame heats both the cookware and the surrounding air. This allows for quick cooking and precise temperature control. The elevated design of a gas hob adds security by preventing the body from coming into contact with the flame, eliminating the possibility of burning. This design is elevated and requires particular attention when cleaning or using the hob to avoid accidentally spilling liquids onto the burners.
A traditional gas hob is ignited by an igniter or an igniter and the burners are manually controlled. Modern models come with an automatic igniter that ensures the gas is lit in a timely manner. The flame can be controlled with the control knobs. This makes it simple to adjust the heat level. Some gas hobs are equipped with multiple flame burners, dependent on the model. This provides greater cooking flexibility.
One of the biggest downsides for a gas hob is that it requires a constant supply of gas, which can be a challenge for those who reside in an area with erratic or unreliable supply. In addition, gas hobs require regular maintenance to avoid dangerous leaks and corrosion. Gas hobs should be installed by Gas Safe registered Fitters who will ensure a safe installation and follow strict safety guidelines.
While induction and electric hobs are getting more popular but there is an enormous market for gas appliances in certain regions. This is due to consumer preference and environmental concerns, in addition to local energy prices and availability. This is why it is important to assess your kitchen's utility costs and infrastructure prior to choosing a kind of hob.
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a favorite for our customers who want modern and stylish kitchens. Magnetism is used to heat the pans rather than the surface being heated or burning gas beneath. Copper coils are located beneath the glass ceramic's surface. A current of alternating electricity is passed through them. When an induction-compatible dish or pan is placed over the cooker, the coils locate its magnetic base and heat the pot or pan directly. This is much more efficient than traditional gas hobs and more energy efficient, too. The glass-ceramic surface is cool and cool to touch and easy to clean.
Like other modern hobs, induction hobs are also designed to be easier to clean than gas counterparts. A simple wipe using a damp cloth is all you require to keep your induction hob looking fresh as new.
The biggest drawback to induction cooking is that you must possess the appropriate cookware. All cookware including cast iron stainless steel, non-stick ones, need a magnetized base. If you're not sure whether your existing cookware is induction-compatible, a quick test is to place a magnet on the bottom of the pan. If it sticks firmly, then your pan is induction-compatible.
A variety of induction hobs are available, from budget models to high-end brands with a full TFT display and a comprehensive operating menu. The hob will show the pan's location on a full-color display when it is in an area of power. A control button or slider allows you to alter the power setting or set a timer. There are many innovative accessories, such as pan sensors that attach to the sides of cookware, allowing them to communicate with the hob using bluetooth to control the power.
One of our most sought-after models is an induction stove with an integrated extractor fan to cut down on steam, smoke and cooking smells. This model is ideal for homes with limited space because it eliminates the requirement for a separate extractor fan. Like other induction hobs, it utilizes magnetic fields at frequencies within the kilohertz range to generate the heat that affects the contents of your pan. In normal operation, at an interval of five to ten centimetres, these fields are in line with the reference value of the magnetic flux density that was established for the relevant frequency range by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and no health risks are anticipated.
Electric Hobs
The most efficient electric hobs are sleek and designed to match most kitchen styles. They are ideal for those who prefer using touch controls to dials, and they come with a variety of options to meet your cooking requirements. The majority are made of glass which is easy to clean and can look stylish if you opt for a black or white design. Certain models come with a bridge feature to combine two zones to fit larger pans while others come with an additional power boost button that can provide extra heat for difficult tasks.
Induction hobs are increasing in popularity because they offer a modern and clean design that fits well with today's kitchen designs. They also cook quickly and offer a high degree of safety. They tend to cool quicker than gas cookers, and they come with an indicator light that remains on when the cooking zone gets hot to the touch. here are the findings tend to be more efficient since the magnetic field generates heat under the pan itself which means you're not heating the surrounding air.
However, there are things to keep in mind when choosing an induction cooker which is that most require a power supply configured with the right cables and breakers so we'd suggest having your electric hob installed by a licensed electrician. Induction hobs can be expensive and you'll have to buy a set of compatible induction pans to make the most of them. They may cost more because they use more energy.
If you're considering a new kitchen or replacing your existing hob, why not take a an look at our wide selection of kitchen appliances? We can help you choose the ideal oven hob to fit your style and preferences. Our experts are available to discuss your options and answer any questions you might have. We offer an all-encompassing service and can install your new appliance if you'd like.