Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?
Oven hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance, but selecting the right type can be difficult. If you're in search of gas, electric or induction hobs, we'll help you make the right choice.
Available in a range of styles that include induction and ceramic domino hobs provide a versatile cooking experience. Select between one or two zones of heat and mix the models to suit your requirements. For instance, a ceramic section can be paired with a separate section for gas.
Gas
A gas hob is an essential kitchen appliance, offering a range of benefits to both casual and professional cooks alike. They are renowned for their speed and versatility the gas hob uses natural or propane gas to produce the flame that heats pots and pans and is ideal for different cooking techniques. Gas hobs come with multiple burners that can be controlled using a knob to regulate the intensity and temperature of the flame. Gas hobs are a great choice for cooking that requires delicate methods like simmering or boiling.
Additionally, a gas hob's sleek design makes for an elegant kitchen design and its flat surface makes it easy to clean. Gas hobs are ideal for counters with smaller spaces because they do not protrude. However, a major disadvantage of a gas hob is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline and a dedicated supply of fuel which can increase installation costs.
Gas stoves are built with security in mind. They have flame failure devices which automatically stop the flow of gas if the flame goes out. This feature helps to prevent the possibility of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. This feature is especially important in homes with pets or children. Modern hobs are also equipped with automatic shut-offs that stop the flow of gas in case there is an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.
Make sure you consult a Gas Safe registered Fitter before purchasing a gas stove to make sure the installation is done correctly and that the stove is in compliance with all safety standards. Attempting to install or repair the gas hob yourself can cause fire hazards, leaks, and health risks.
This is why it is crucial to think about the long-term cost of a hob before making a purchase. Electric hobs are more efficient in energy than gas hobs because they transfer heat directly to the cookware. Many electric hobs also have features like automatic shut-offs and pan detection, which make them safer than their gas counterparts.
Induction
The traditional electric and gas cooktops heat via conduction (which involves a hot burner that is used to heat the surface of your pan or pot) Induction makes use of electromagnetism in order to heat only your cooking pan. Induction cooktops are able to get hotter quicker, more precisely and efficiently. It also means less energy is wasted because heat is transferred to your pan through the magnetic field, not from the heat of a resistance coil or open flame.
It can be challenging to master induction stoves first. Induction stoves require cookware with a flat bottom and ferromagnetic properties. Most modern kitchenware is compatible, but older cookware may not work unless you utilize an interface disk for induction. The interface disk is put over the existing cookware to create a magnetic surface. This lets the burners communicate with the cookware. Induction cookers won't harm your hands in the same way as a traditional gas or electric cooktop, but they can still get hot and can burn if you leave your hand on the surface for too long.
Another disadvantage is that the cooking surface is unable to turn on if your cookware isn't on it as an important safety feature to keep fires from igniting and burning. It's also not possible to accidentally turn an induction burner on while the pan is cooling, as you would with a gas stove or electric oven.
Induction ranges do not emit harmful pollutants like nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde when they are turned off. These pollutants can aggravate respiratory conditions. When paired with renewable energy sources induction cookers are completely emissions-free.
Induction cooktops can produce an emitted sound. This is most noticeable at higher temperatures and may interfere with a digital meat thermometer, although you can reduce the amount of noise by using large flat-bottomed cookware. The hum isn't a problem but some cooks find it irritating. Many appliance stores have loaner or showroom kitchens that you can test the induction cooktop prior to buying.
Ceramic
The most commonly used type of cooker that is used in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are set flush with the worktop and are covered with glass to give them a sleek modern design. They are also easy to clean. Their flat surface means there are no crevices where food particles can get trapped on and a simple wipe over is all that is needed. They are equipped with a variety of safety features, including hot indicators that let you know when the zones are still hot, and locks that prevent children from using them.
The pan or cookware is heated electronically through the passage of electricity through coiled elements under the tempered glass. Although they are not as efficient as gas or induction however they provide a convenient and affordable method of cooking. They are susceptible to scratching when pots and pans are dragged across the surface but they do come with shatterproof safety glass.
The flat surface of the ceramic oven's hob makes it easy to heat up and cool down quickly since the heat is transferred to the cookware, not the entire hob. This makes them more convenient to use in a bustling home. The ceramic hobs also tend to be a little more expensive than other models but they are well worth the cost for the design and ease of use they offer.
It is crucial to remember that no matter what kind of hob you choose it must be based on your own cooking preferences and lifestyle needs. Induction or gas hobs may be more suitable for those who require speed, precision, and energy efficiency. Before deciding on the type of hob that you wish to purchase, it's crucial to think about your budget and the cookware you currently have. After you've done this then you can start looking for the perfect new hob that will complement your oven. Our team of experts is ready to answer any questions you have. Contact us via phone, email or in person. We have a large selection of products and can assist you in creating the perfect kitchen at home.
Halogen
It's very satisfying to bring a halogen hob in your kitchen and watch your food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a kind of dry heat which means that food or air is heated to extreme temperatures. A halogen stove will reach these temperatures much faster than conventional ovens.
They are also more responsive to temperature adjustments, making them suitable for all sorts of types of cooking. They're great for frying, roasting and baking however they can also be used to steam and steam. Some models are even capable of grilling infrared, without the mess and smoke of charcoal.
As well as being relatively fast to heat up an oven made of halogen is also much more efficient than conventional ovens at reaching the temperature at which it is most efficient and the power will shut off once it's reached, therefore there's no risk of overheating. The lid is also designed to hold heat well spreading it evenly and evenly browning food.
Halogen ovens are generally less expensive than a traditional oven and are available for less than PS40. They can be used for cooking steam, cook and even rotisserie. A lot of them have a glass bowl that makes it easier to monitor the food and can make sure that the food doesn't burn.
There are a few disadvantages to consider with a halogen oven though, for one thing, the bulbs can blow after a while, and they need to be replaced. Some models come with flimsy stands that can be easily damaged by pets or children.
Another issue that could be a concern is that halogen ovens may produce harmful byproducts during the heating process. These 'process contaminants,' which include acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) as well as heterocyclic amino acids (HCAs) are known to cause cancer in humans. If you follow the instructions and use a non-stick cookware that is non-stick, you will greatly reduce the risk. Halogen ovens typically have a warning sticker on them highlighting these risks and it is important to read the label carefully prior to using the oven.