A Guide to Ovens and oven and hob Hobs

Stoves and ovens can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen worktops or kitchen units to give it an elegant and contemporary look. Explore our complete oven and hob collection today.

Electric hobs are heated by various cooking rings that can range from four to six different power levels. They can take some time to warm up and cool down.

Types of hobs

The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter is the main cooking appliance you roast and bake things in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to prepare various meals, and as such, it's important that you select the best hob for your cooking style. If you're a master chef who favours precision or a busy family cook seeking speed, there's a cooker to suit your requirements.

Induction and electric ceramic stoves are flat and frameless, adding to the sleek look of any kitchen. They have either five or four cooking zones each independent of each other by a dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sautéing the sausages on a different. This is perfect for busy families. They also rapidly heat up and feature a smooth surfaces that make them easy to wipe clean. They are more expensive than gas hobs, and they might take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs are popular with chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off gas flow if there's a leak. They are less efficient than electric or induction hobs. They are also more difficult to clean due the fact of the pan supports and stove burners.

Plate hobs are the classic type of hob and have been used for decades. They feature a flat surface with electric or gas rings that heat up when you turn the dial. They're economical, but not the best choice for cookware made of cast iron and do not evenly distribute heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs are able to heat your pan directly, instead of heating the surface of the hob like traditional hobs. They are safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They're also more expensive than gas or electric hobs, and take longer to warm up and cool down.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a common choice among home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and oven and hob ease of control. You will typically find models that offer between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner specifically designed for stir-frying cooking. Some also have a visual flame indicator that indicates whether the hob is turned on or off.

They are faster at heating food than electric or induction models, which makes them perfect for kitchens that are busy. They are less expensive to operate than electric hobs if they make use of renewable energy sources.

You can choose to buy freestanding gas hobs, or built-in models. If you plan to remodel your kitchen, the freestanding models are the best ovens and hobs choice because you can move them easily. However, they can be difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished carpentry, which may not be suitable for all homes.

They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. The stainless steel trims are commonly used, and are fitted to a variety of kitchen designs. Some models even come with touch-sensitive controls as well as a power boost function that lets you increase the intensity of a particular burner by up to 50%, so you can bring a pot of water to a boil in no time.

Some gas hobs feature an automatic safety system that shuts off the supply of gas when the flame ceases to burn, so you don't risk burning yourself in the process. They are also less expensive than electric hobs to operate, and provide precise temperature control for various cooking methods.

It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide as they burn, which can be an issue for people who are concerned about the environment. Luckily, there are now models that don't release any CO2 whatsoever when they're in use. These are known as "zero emission gas hobs' or eco-friendly gas hobs they're still equipped with the features that are typical of gas models, however they don't emit CO2 at all while operating.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a popular option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other types. First, they tend to heat up and cool down faster than gas hobs, meaning less residual heat is left behind as the cookware is taken off. They heat more evenly and are less likely to have hot spots than gas models. Being electric, they also require less maintenance and are more affordable to operate than gas.

Most commonly used in modern kitchens, ceramic or glass electric hobs offer an elegant and fashionable appearance that's easy to clean and safe to touch. Their flat surface makes them a favorite option for families who have children, as they're unlikely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired in the event of damage.

Ceramic hobs heat directly the pan, unlike traditional plate hobs, which use coils to heat the pan. This means they can heat up and cool down much faster, and are able to be used with any type of cookware. They can be more expensive than electric stoves, but they will save you money in the long term due to their high efficiency.

Despite their simplistic design, it's crucial to maintain your glass or ceramic hob to prevent any problems. For example, cleaning the cooktop with a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls, and regularly cleaning out grates and burner caps. It's also important to look out for any signs of gas odour since this could represent an issue with gas lines or a gas leak. If you suspect this, it's recommended to contact a gas professional to seek assistance. Always make sure that the hob is cool completely before cleaning to avoid any severe damage. This will also help prevent accidental spills and fires!

Induction hobs

The modern alternative to traditional gas and electric hobs, induction cookers use a magnetic field to heat the pan rather than the cooktop itself. This lets them heat up faster than other hobs and save energy in the long run. They are also a lot safer to use since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and they are equipped with safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.

Induction hobs are typically ceramic or glass with an alternating current that creates an electric field that heats. Induction-compatible pans must have an even base and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking area. The majority of hobs have a bridging zone that can connect two zones to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of users report a dip in their overall energy bills after switching to one. Induction hobs are also believed to be safer, as the surface of the cooktop remains cool to the touch and decreases the chance of burning. They only heat the pan and its contents. This makes them safer for children than electric or gas hobs which can get very hot.

Most induction cooktops come with a variety of control options. The most basic one is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Others come with a fully-functional display that shows all the options, and lets you easily adjust the power levels as well as set timers. Modern induction hobs feature numerous small copper coils that are tightly connected below the cooktop, and the magnet beneath each one will detect when you place your pan. It will activate the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.

All of our hobs and ovens are available as stand-alone models or neatly integrated into your kitchen's units and worktops for a an elegant, seamless appearance. Our entire range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless-steel finishes to on-trend ceramic and copper. Take a look at our other appliances like dishwashers, refrigerator freezers and washing machines to help your kitchen run smoothly.