If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or simply wanting to upgrade your existing appliance, an oven that has a hob could be the perfect solution.Electric and gas Ovens & Hobs with a stove are available. Gas cookers include the set (usually four) of burners and an oven. Electric cookers come with an oven and a surface for cooking.
What is a hob, specifically?
Hobs (also known as cooker tops or cooktops) are the main part of a stove you heat pots on. They're available in gas ceramic, and electric versions. Some models come with dual fuel burners that combine the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heat capability of a gas hob.
A hob can be set up as a standalone piece of equipment or an integral component of a kitchen that is built-in. When selecting a suitable hob for your home, you'll have to consider its size, energy efficiency and ease of use. It is also important to decide which type of hob is best for your cooking style. Different models offer different levels of performance.Gas hobs, for example, are popular among people who enjoy frying and stir-frying because they are simple to use and offer instant heat. However, if you're looking for a cleaner option, then induction hobs might be the best option. They heat the pan with electromagnets. This means that they use electricity when you are actually cooking. They also shut off automatically after the pan is removed.
If you're planning to install an entirely new hob, you should be aware that it's essential to have a fully functioning gas pipe prior to installing one. This will ensure that the hob is safe to use and you won't encounter any issues in the kitchen.
The type of hob you choose will determine which controls are available. Rotary controls are common on solid sealed plate and gas hobs. They allow you to adjust the amount of heat you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are usually found on induction or ceramic hobs. They let you choose the desired setting using your fingertips. Some hobs have child safety locks, so that children and guests are not able to accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a fervent chef, it could be worth investing in an extra feature like a timer or pause function. They can assist you in multitasking while cooking and keep your food from being overcooked or burning. You can also save time and effort if you make your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of hobs?
A hob can be a useful addition to any kitchen, providing advantages such as ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with all kinds of cookware. It is important to weigh these up against other factors like cost and lifestyle compatibility when choosing the right hob for your home.
Gas hobs are among the most common kinds of hobs. They are easy to operate and offer a high level of heat control, however, they require a gas connection which is not available in every home. They also take longer to get hot and cool down, which can make them less suitable for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs offer another option for a sleek, efficient solution. They work by creating an electromagnetic field around the pan to ensure that only the cookware is hot, not the entire surface of the hob. They are safe, easy to clean and can boil water in minutes. They're more expensive and only work using metal pots, which are made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. If you're a patient of pacemaker, it is important to make sure that an induction hob will not affect it since these cookware types emit magnetic fields.
Another type of hob is a electric and gas model. This is a great option for those who are seeking the flexibility of gas and induction, but don't want to invest a lot. You can switch between both. For instance you can cook on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This allows you to cook more complex dishes while saving money.
Other features that can be found on many hobs are the ability to pause that allows you to halt the heating of all zones simultaneously and prevents accidents in kitchens that are busy. There are also control and child locks that stop children or others from unintentionally changing the settings.
A lot of hobs have a drip tray that is removable, or spillage well. This makes cleaning much easier. A few sprays of kitchen cleaner is enough to get most surfaces clean, but stubborn marks and stains are often removed using hob scrapers that are specially designed for the job.
What is the difference between a hob and an oven?
A cooktop is a hob, used to heat saucepans and similar cooking vessels. There are many different types of hob available that include electric, gas and induction hobs. Certain models have features that are designed to make cooking a breeze while others are more aesthetically pleasing and are used simply as a design feature.
For example ceramic hobs are known for their sleek and fashionable, as well being easy to clean. They make use of electricity to heat the components beneath the glass surface. This transfer heat directly to the pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy-saving because they only heat the pans and not the surrounding surface. However, they can take a bit longer to cool down and heat down, and may be more prone to scratches and chips when you're not careful.
Glass on gas is a different kind of hob. They're similar to traditional gas hobs but they have the added benefit of having a elegant and sophisticated glass finish. There are no hot burner rings or flames to worry about, and they're less difficult to clean. They are more expensive and it can be hard to locate replacement parts should they fail.
Induction hobs on the other hand, are a more modern and energy efficient option. Electromagnets are used to generate electricity that warms the bottom of pans instead of the surface. This makes them incredibly fast to heat up and cool down, and they're very safe, as the heating only happens when you place pans on the zone. However they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually cast iron or steel) and are more costly than other hobs.
There are also dual-fuel models which combine an electric oven and a gas stove to offer the best of both. This is the perfect appliance for anyone looking for an appliance that is multi-purpose and can boil, fry, and warm up food.
How do I install a hob?
It is important to plan carefully when selecting a cooker that is compatible with an oven, particularly in smaller kitchens. The cooker should be small enough to fit beneath the hob, and if there's an overhang, make sure it's not obstructed by reaching in and out of the oven. Drop-down doors are an ideal solution for this.
Also consider the height of your stove and oven. If they're too low, it can be difficult taking hot roasting tray into and out. If you have children, think about the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in cooktops are within reach of kids, whereas freestanding cooktops are typically higher and can be pushed back towards the back splash for added security.
The best choice for your kitchen will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking, and whether you prefer a gas or electric hob. For example, if you often host guests, a larger oven might be better to suit your requirements. Also, if you like baking and cook, then an electric oven that has a hob is a practical choice, as it allows you to simultaneously cook and bake.
You should also consider that the electrical system in your home must be able to handle the power of any appliance you decide to purchase. The addition of a new electric cooker or switching from gas to electric is costly since you'll need to upgrade your entire kitchen.
The most secure way to connect your new appliance is to have it hardwired by an experienced electrician. Making use of an extension lead or adapter is risky and could cause damage to your appliances.
Make sure the electrician is licensed and accredited by a professional body like Trusted Traders. This will help you find a local electrician with the right experience for the task. Asking for quotes from multiple tradespeople is also important, since prices can differ greatly. You can find reputable tradespeople near you by using the online search tool available on our website.
