7 Things You'd Never Know About Ovens Hobs

Types of Ovens The hob is the center of every kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting an entire chicken. ovens are available in a variety of sizes and styles, and there are different hob designs to choose from, including electric, gas, ceramic and domino. Electric hobs are easy to clean and have smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. These hobs work only with pans with a flat bottom and might also have heat indicators. Ceramic Hobs Ceramic hobs are a fantastic way to cook. They offer a stylish and sleek aesthetic and are also simple to operate. They function by using heating elements under the glass surface, which is tempered, to distribute heat quickly and evenly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a variety of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to more modern electric zones, with the majority featuring an opaque black finish that is durable and resistant to scratches and chips. The smooth, flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wipe down in one sweep – you can even use common kitchen cleaners. They don't also have open flames, which makes them a safer option for those who have young children or elderly relatives in the home. Most of the time, they have rotary or touch control options to ensure safety as well as an indicator for residual heat that warns you when the area remains hot even after the pan has been removed from the stove. They are more expensive than a basic electric cooker but cheaper than an induction model. They can be a great option for those that do not have gas on their home. As with induction models, they can be more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with a flat base that maximises the surface contact with the elements. The heating system won't recognize pots and pans in the event that they are not the exact same dimensions as the element. It's important to have a qualified electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be potentially dangerous if it's not done correctly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could void the warranty and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay for security and peace of mind knowing that your new cooktop is safe to use. Gas Hobs A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by liquefied or natural petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically is installed inside your kitchen unit or countertop. It is comprised of a variety of burners that can be lit manually with a match or lighter and controlled by various knobs that let you control the heat level during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric models and can be used to cook in any manner. The downsides of gas hobs are they require an air supply and gas system to function, making them more expensive to install than electric models and they may not be as efficient as induction hobs. Hobs made of gas are also a safety hazard as they use gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for leaks. Induction hobs are a popular choice. They use electromagnetic technology to heat directly your pans. This allows them to boil water faster than gas models, and offer precise temperature control. However, they only use pans that are compatible with induction and can be a little more expensive than other types of hobs. Another alternative is a ceramic glass hob. It has a sleek appearance and is easy to clean. It can be found on both induction and electric models, and is the best option for those looking to add an elegant, modern look to their kitchen. However, it's worth noting that this type of hob can get very hot to the touch and can take longer to cool down and heat down compared to gas or electric 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 a focal point. It requires a space and is typically installed by an expert who is capable of handling the installation process, which involves handling gas connections that can present risks if not handled correctly. Hobs Induction Induction hobs are a favorite choice for those who prefer a sleek and efficient method to cook. They utilize electromagnetic induction to heat the pans. Beneath the glass surface sit coils which when a suitable pan is placed on top of them emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current to flow through the bottom of the pan. This creates heat that quickly warms the food within, while the cooktop itself remains cool to the touch. Induction hobs also have a reputation for being more energy efficient than traditional models, whether they are electric or gas. They only heat the space where a pan is placed, which reduces waste and energy costs. A majority of induction hobs come with an safety feature that shuts the hob off if there is no pan or in the event that it is removed. This reduces waste. Like gas hobs and induction models are equipped with a variety of control options such as dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and lets you alter the power level with a simple motion. A dial control is similar, having an enormous dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, usually found on more expensive and advanced induction models. They feature clear digital displays that makes it easy to read and alter settings. Induction hobs come with integrated extractors that work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and also to keep out mould and condensation. They can be operated independently from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button, and they can also be set to automatically switch on when a pot is placed in a cooking zone. Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require specialized cookware to function. It is essential for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetized base to generate the electromagnetic process. However it isn't certain to work on all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base, as well as some non-stick pans are all commonly used in conjunction with induction hobs, although you should always read the instructions of the manufacturer to make sure the pan you are using is compatible before buying a new model. Domino Hobs Domino hobs are great for those with a smaller kitchen but still need the freedom to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zone ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens You can mix and mix to create a modular kitchen that suits your needs. Solid plate hobs are by far the most simple type of hobs. They make use of sealed metal plates to warm electrical elements. They then create heat for your cookware. They are simple to use, inexpensive and long-lasting. However, they may take a while to heat up and cool down and are more expensive to operate than other hob types. The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It is made up of rows of halogen bulbs that are placed on the glass ceramic surface to produce heat. This kind of hob is fast and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and direct heat into the pan. Halogen hobs consume less energy and may be damaged by scraping the surface. Induction hobs are a new and becoming increasingly popular type of hob, using electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones rather than the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than other types of hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware. Ceramic hobs are a fashionable and modern choice with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding fluidity to your cooking space. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized using dials or touch controls, depending on your preferences. The most important features to look out for when buying a new hob include overheat protection. This switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Be sure to look for residual heat indicators that alert you to a hot hob. Finally, a pause function allows you to temporarily deactivate all cooking zones in use. This can be helpful if you need to leave the kitchen for a time.