How To Get Better Results Out Of Your Hob

Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?

Oven hobs are an essential kitchen appliance, but selecting the right type isn't easy. Whether you're looking for electric, gas or induction hobs, we'll help you make the best choice.

Available in a range of styles, including induction and ceramic, domino hobs offer a versatile cooking experience. Choose between one or two zones of heat and mix the models to meet your requirements. For instance the ceramic section can be paired with a separate one for gas.

Gas

A gas hob is a vital kitchen appliance, offering many benefits to cooks who are professional and casual alike. Known for their speed and versatility the gas hob uses natural or propane gas to create a flame that heats up pots and pans, making it ideal for cooking with different methods. The design of a gas cooker typically has several burners that can be controlled via the knob that permits you to adjust the intensity of the flame and its temperature. This level of control makes a gas cooker the ideal choice for delicate cooking methods such as boiling and simmering.

In addition, a gas stove's sleek design makes for a sophisticated kitchen design, and its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Gas hobs are great for counters with smaller spaces because they don't protrude. Gas hobs come with a few disadvantages. They require an LPG (liquefied Petroleum Gas) pipeline, and a dedicated fuel supply, which could increase installation costs.

Gas stoves were constructed with safety as a top priority. They are equipped with flame failure devices which automatically cut off gas supply when the flame goes out. This feature is essential for homes with pets or young children because it guards against carbon monoxide poisoning as well as fire. Modern hobs are also equipped with automatic shut-off valves that prevent the gas from flowing in the event of an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.

If you are thinking of purchasing a gas hob, make sure to consult with a Gas Safe registered fitter to ensure that your installation is done properly and that your stove complies with all safety protocols. If you attempt to install or fix the gas hob by yourself, it could result in fire hazards, leaks, and health risks.

It is therefore important to consider the long-term cost before making a final purchase. For instance an electric hob could be more energy-efficient than a gas hob, because it directs heat to your cookware. A lot of electric hobs have features like automatic shut-offs and pan detection, making them more secure than gas counterparts.

Induction

Induction cooktops employ electromagnetism instead of conduction to heat your pan. Induction cooktops are able to be heated faster, more accurately and efficiently. This also means less energy is wasted since heat is transferred via the magnetic field that surrounds your cooktop and not through the heating of a resistance coil.

Induction stoves can be a challenge to master at first. Induction stoves require cookware that has flat bottoms and ferromagnetism. Most modern kitchenware can be used, however older pans and pots might not, unless you utilize an induction interface disk. The interface disk sits on top of your existing cookware and creates a magnetic surface that allows the burner to interact with it. Induction cooktops aren't as hot on your hands as traditional electric or gas cooktops, but they can cause burns if you stay too long on the surface.

A second disadvantage is that cookware cannot be placed on the kitchen surface if it is not placed on top of it. This is a safety precaution to avoid fires and burns. It's also not possible to accidentally switch on an induction stove while your pan is cooling, like you can with a gas stove or an electric oven hob.

The good aspect is that induction cookers don't release harmful pollutants into the air when they're turned off, such as nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, which could cause respiratory problems. When paired with a renewable energy source, induction cookers can be completely emissions-free.

The only drawback is that induction cooktops can produce a buzzing sound. This is most noticeable on higher temperatures and can cause interference with a digital thermometer, although you can reduce the noise by using thick flat-bottomed cookware. The hum doesn't harm however some cooks find it annoying. It is recommended to test an induction stove prior to purchasing one that's why many appliance stores offer loaners or showroom kitchens in which you can try the cooktops out.

Ceramic

The most common type of cooker found in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are usually flush with the worktop and glazed in glass for an elegant and contemporary look, they are also easy to keep clean. Their flat surface means that there are no crevices that food can become trapped in, and a simple wipe is all that is needed. These ovens are equipped with a range of safety features, including hot indicators that indicate when the zones remain hot and locks that block children from using the oven.

They work by passing electricity through coiled metal elements beneath the tempered glass which electronically heat to the desired temperature of your cookware or pan. While they aren't as efficient as induction or gas, they offer a convenient and cost-effective method of cooking. They are susceptible to scratches if pots or pans are dragged over the surface, however they have shatterproof safety glass.

The flat surface of a ceramic oven's hob also makes it very quick to warm up and cool down since the heat is transmitted through the cookware, not the entire hob. This makes them more convenient to use in a busy home. Ceramic hobs are also expensive, but they are worth it for their style and ease-of-use.

It is crucial to remember that regardless of the type of hob you select, it must be based on your own preferences in cooking and lifestyle. If you are looking for high-precision speed, energy efficiency and speed then induction or gas hobs may be better for you. Before deciding on the type of hob you'd like to purchase, it's important to consider your budget and cookware. Once you have completed this, you can start looking for the perfect new stove to match your oven. Our team of experts are ready to answer your questions. Contact us via phone, email or in person. We offer a variety of kitchen products and can help you create the perfect kitchen at home.

Halogen

There's something incredibly satisfying about bringing a halogen oven hob into the kitchen and seeing your food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a form of dry-heat cooking. This means that it heats the food or air to high temperatures, and a halogen oven can reach these temperatures faster than conventional ovens, often within a matter of minutes.

They also respond better to temperature changes making them suitable for cooking of all kinds. For instance, they excel at roasting and frying, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models can even infrared-grill without the smoke or mess of charcoal.

Halogen ovens heat up much faster than a conventional one. It also reaches the highest temperature faster. The power is cut off once it reaches the temperature required, so there is no risk of overheating. The lid is also designed to hold heat efficiently, distributing it evenly and browning the food perfectly.

Halogen ovens can be purchased for less than PS40. They can be used for anything from frying to steaming and some models even have an oven that can rotisserie. Many have a glass bowl which makes it simpler to monitor the food, and makes sure that food doesn't burn.

Halogen ovens have some disadvantages. For example bulbs might need to be replaced after a set period of period of time. Some models have flimsy stands that can be easily knocked down by pets or children.

Another issue that could be a concern is that halogen ovens may generate some unhealthy byproducts during the heating process. These 'process pollutants that include acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), and heterocyclic amino acids (HCAs) are known to cause cancer in humans. However, if you're cautious to adhere to the guidelines and use the oven with a non-stick surface, you can reduce these risks considerably. Halogen ovens usually have a warning sticker on them, highlighting the dangers and it is important to read this carefully before using the oven.