A Guide to Ovens and Hobs

Ovens and hobs add an elegant, modern look to any kitchen and can be neatly integrated into your worktops and kitchen units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.

Electric hobs provide heat via various 'cooking rings' that can have anywhere between four and six power levels. They can take a while to warm up and cool down.

Hobs of different types

The stove top, kitchen hob or range cooker (the latter being the whole cooking appliance you roast and bake your food in) is an essential part of every home. It is used to cook various meals, and as such it's crucial to choose the right type of hob to suit your cooking style. If you're a master chef who is a fan of precision or a busy family cook who wants speed, there's a kitchen appliance to suit your requirements.

Induction and electric ceramic hobs feature a flat, frameless design that adds to the elegant appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled by the use of a separate dial. You can boil potatoes on one ring and sauteing the sausages on another. This is perfect for busy families. They also heat up quickly and have an even surface that makes them easy to clean. They can be more costly than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat and cool down.

Gas hobs are a favorite among chefs due to their quick heating and precise control. They're also secure, with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply in case there is a leak. However, they are less efficient than induction or electric hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the burners and pan supports.

Plate hobs have been in use for decades. They feature a flat top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that are heated when you turn the dial. They are affordable, but not ideal for cast-iron cookware as they don't evenly spread heat across the entire surface.

Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to heat your pan - instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They're safer than gas, with no open flame and they're easy to wipe clean. They are also more expensive and take longer to cool and heat than electric or gas hobs.

Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks because of their quick heating capabilities and easy control. There are models with between two and six burners. Some models have a wok-burner for stir-frying cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that tells you whether the burner is on or off.

They heat food faster than electric or induction models, which makes them perfect for busy kitchens. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.

You can choose between built-in or freestanding gas hobs. If you're planning to redesign your kitchen, freestanding models are more suitable since they can be moved easily. However, they're difficult to install and might require hacking into your finished carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.

They have a smooth and flat surface, which makes them easier to clean. They often feature sleek stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some even have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that allows you to boost the intensity of a particular burner by as ovens and hobs uk much as 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boiling point in a matter of minutes.

Certain gas hobs come with an automatic safety system that will shut off the supply of gas once the flame goes out and you're not at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They are also less expensive than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for a variety of cooking methods.

It's important to mention that gas hobs release carbon dioxide when they burn, which may be a problem for environmentally conscious consumers. There are, however, models available that don't emit any CO2 whatsoever when they're being used. They are referred to as 'zero emission gas hobs' or 'eco-friendly gas hobs', they still have all the features that are typical of a traditional gas model but emit no CO2 at all while operating.

Electric hobs

Electric hobs are a popular choice in kitchens of any style. They offer a number of advantages over other types. For starters, they tend to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs, which means less heat is left behind after the cookware is removed. They are more evenly heated and are less likely to develop hot spots than certain gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are more affordable to run than gas.

Ceramic or glass electric hobs are commonly used in modern kitchens. They have a sleek, elegant design that is easy to clean. They are also safe to handle. Their flat surface makes them a popular option for families who have children, as they're less likely to be smashed or scratched by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be easily replaced if damaged.

Unlike traditional plate hobs, that make use of coils to generate heat which is transferred to cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to directly heat the pan. This means that they heat up and cool down much quicker, and can be used with any kind of cookware. These are often more expensive than electric plate stoves but they will save you money in the long term because of their efficiency.

Despite their simple design, it's crucial to regularly maintain your glass or ceramic hob to avoid any problems. Cleaning the cooktop with non-abrasive cleaning products is highly recommended, as is making sure to replace any heating controls that are defective and cleaning out burner caps or grates regularly. Be on the lookout for gas smells, as they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or leaks. If you suspect this, it's advisable to speak with a professional gas engineer to seek assistance. Always ensure that the hob is cool completely prior to cleaning it in order to prevent any serious damage. This will also stop any accidental fires or spills!

Induction hobs

Induction cookers are a modern alternative to traditional electric and gas hobs. They make use of magnets instead of the cooktop in order to heat the pan. This allows them to heat up much more quickly than other types of hobs and save energy in the long run. They are also safer to use since the cooktop's surface stays cool to the touch and many have safety features, such as an automatic shut off to prevent accidents.

Induction hobs are usually ceramic or glass that have an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. A pan that is induction-compatible must have a flat bottom and an iron or steel core, and the magnetic field only gets activated when the pan is placed in the cooking zone. The majority of hobs have a 'bridging zone' which allows two zones to be joined to accommodate larger pans.

Induction hobs are well-known for their efficiency, and a lot of people report dips in their overall energy bills after switching to one. They are also thought to be safer since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the edge, reducing the risk of burns, and only heats the pan and its contents. This makes them more suitable for children than gas or electric hobs, which can become very hot and can pose a fire danger.

Most induction hobs have different control types. The most basic one is a simple power bar or touch bar that sits on top of the hob. Others come with an all-inclusive display that displays all the options available, and allows you to easily alter the power levels and set timers. Hobs induction with more advanced technology come with many copper coils of varying sizes that are that are tightly grouped together beneath the cooktop. The magnet under each coil detects the time when the pan is placed. It activates the coil that is the right one for your pan size and shape.

All of our ovens and hobs are available as freestanding models or seamlessly integrated into kitchen units and worktop for an elegant, seamless appearance. Our range of products ranges from sleek stainless steel and black finishes to contemporary ceramic and copper. Explore our other kitchen appliances, including dishwashers refrigerator freezers, and washing machines to make your kitchen work properly.