Types of Ovens

The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasted chicken. There are many different styles and sizes available along with a variety of hob types, including ceramic, electric domino, and electric.

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

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, offering an elegant and fashionable look while remaining simple to use. Ceramic hobs function by using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to disperse heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in different styles, from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more modern designs. Most have black glazed surfaces which is durable and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one go - you can even use the majority of common kitchen cleaners. They also don't have open flames so are an ideal choice for those who have young family members or elderly relatives in the house. Most of the time, they have controls that can be rotary or touch to increase safety, as well as a residual heat indicator which warns you when a zone remains hot even after the pan is removed from the stove.

They cost more than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They are an option for those who don't have gas in their home. As with induction models, they are more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. The heating system will not recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not the exact same size as the element.

It is crucial to hire an electrician to install your ceramic hob. Electricity work is risky if it's not done properly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty and cause future fire hazards. It's worth it to have peace of mind knowing your new cooktop will be safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops or gas hobs are powered by liquefied petroleum gaz (LPG). They are typically integrated into countertops or kitchen units. The burners can be lit by hand using matches or lighters. They are controlled by knobs that regulate the heat while cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any manner.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of needing a ventilation and gas supply system for operation. This means they are more expensive to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs are also dangerous because they use flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Another popular option is an induction stove that uses electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans and allow them to boil water quicker than gas models and allowing precise temperature control. Induction hobs can only be used with induction-compatible pots and can cost more than other types of hobs.

Another alternative is a ceramic-glass stove. It is sleek and is easy to clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models and is usually the ideal choice for those who want a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this type of stove can get very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down compared to electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's ideal for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan layouts, where it can be used as the focal point. It needs a dedicated area and is installed by a professional. Gas connections can be dangerous if not handled correctly.

Induction Hobs

A popular option for those who want an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction stoves employ electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. In the glass surface, there are coils that, when a compatible pan is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field that causes an electrical current to be pushed through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms the food in the pan, while the cooktop stays cool.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being more energy efficient than traditional electric or gas models. They only heat the space where a pan is placed which helps reduce waste and energy costs. Many induction hobs also come with a safety feature that stops the stove when no pan is found or if the pan is removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Induction models, like gas hobs, come with various types of controls including dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker and allows you adjust the power level in one simple movement. Dial controls are like a standard knob and come with a large dial that is able to be rotated to select the desired setting. Hobs with touchscreens are another option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They feature 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 smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other components of the appliance. They are usually activated by a button or sensor and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pot is placed on an area for cooking.

The biggest drawback of induction hobs is they require a specific type of cookware to operate. The bottom of the pan has 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 a magnetized base and certain nonstick pans can be used with induction stoves. However, it is recommended to always check with the manufacturer to confirm that your pan is compatible before purchasing the model.

Domino Hobs

The versatility of a domino stove is ideal for those who have smaller kitchens but are looking to experiment with cooking styles. With two zone gas, ceramic and induction domino stoves available and even a griddle option offered by Siemens You can mix and combine to create a modular cooking space that meets your requirements.

The most basic of hob types Solid plate hobs utilize electrical elements heated by sealed plates which in turn heat your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and durable. However, they can take a while to warm up and cool down and tend to be more expensive than other hob types.

The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of with halogen lamps that sit on a glass ceramic surface in order to produce heat. This type of hob is quick and responsive because the bulbs are bright and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and are susceptible to damage by scraping the surface.

Induction hobs are an innovative and becoming more popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking areas instead of the surface. They are more affordable and environmentally friendly than other hob types however they are more expensive than gas and will require specific cookware compatible with induction.

Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat design that blends seamlessly into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Certain models have a stylish frameless design, and also the option of having dials or touch controls depending on your preference.

When purchasing a new stove, look for features such as overheat protection. This turns off the heating element once it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that alert you to a hot hob. The pause feature can temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is helpful if you need to leave the kitchen.