If you're looking to upgrade or build your kitchen from scratch the oven and hob could be the ideal solution.
Ovens with a hob are available as gas cookers and electric cookers. Gas cookers come with an array (usually four) of burners and an oven. Electric cookers come with an oven and a cooking surface for cooking.
What is a hob, precisely?
Hobs (also known as cooktops or cooker tops) are the primary component of a stove can be used to heat pots. They are available in gas, ceramic, and electric versions. Some models even feature dual fuel burners - combining the speedy cooking time of an oven with the instant heat power of a gas stove.
A hob is available as a stand-alone appliance, or as part of a kitchen integrated. When selecting a hob, you should consider its dimensions as well as its energy efficiency and the ease of use. You'll also have to decide which type of hob will best suit your cooking style. Different kinds of hobs have different levels of performance.
For instance, gas hobs are popular with those who like stir-frying and fry because they are quick to heat and are easy to manage. However, if you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs may be the way to go. They heat the pan with electromagnets. This means that they use electricity when you're cooking. They also shut off automatically once the pan is removed.
It is essential to have a gas line in place before you install a new stove. This will ensure that the hob is safe and that you don't run into any problems when cooking.
Hobs typically include a variety of controls, based on the model you choose. Controls with rotary are typically found on gas and solid sealed plate hobs, which allow you to alter the quantity of heat you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are typically found on ceramic and induction hobs, giving you the ability to choose the setting you prefer using your fingertips. Some hobs are also equipped with child and safety locks, so you can ensure that your guests and children don't accidentally alter the settings.
If you are a keen cook, it might be worthwhile to invest in an extra feature such as a timer or pause function. They can help you to cook at a time and will help you avoid burning or overcooking your food. They can also save time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of hobs?
A hob can be a useful addition to any kitchen, offering advantages like simplicity of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of cookware. However, it's important to weigh these up against other aspects such as price and lifestyle compatibility when selecting the right hob for your home.
One of the most sought-after types of hobs is a gas hob. Gas hobs are easy to use, and provide a superior level of heat control. However they require the gas connection, which is not available in every home. They also take a longer time to warm up and cool down, which may make them less practical for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs are another option to offer a sleek and efficient solution. They function by creating magnetic fields around the pan, so it's only the cookware that gets hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe and easy to clean, and can boil water in just seconds. However, they are more expensive than other hobs and are only compatible with metal pans - ideally made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs can harm pacemakers as they emit magnetic fields.
Another type of hob is a combination electric and gas model. This is an excellent option for those seeking the flexibility of gas and induction, but don't want to invest much. You can switch between both. For instance, you can sauté on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This lets you cook more complex dishes while saving money.
Other features that can be found on many hobs include a pause function that allows you to halt the heating of all zones simultaneously which helps prevent accidents in busy kitchens. There are also controls and child locks to prevent children from accidentally altering the settings.
A lot of hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage well that makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts of kitchen cleaner should be enough to get most surfaces clean. However, stain and marks that are stubborn can often be removed with a hob scraper that is designed specifically for use.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
Hobs are used to cook pots and other cooking vessels. There are many different types of hobs available which include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some of them have features that make cooking easier while others are more decorative.
For instance, ceramic hobs are renowned for being both elegant and stylish, as well easy to clean. They use electrical energy to heat the elements beneath the glass surface, which transmits heat directly to pans. They are extremely energy efficient and efficient, since they only heat your pans. They can take longer to cool and heat and are more prone to chips and scratches if not careful.
Another type of hob is a gas-on glass model. These are similar to traditional gas hobs, but they have the added benefit of having a sleek and elegant glass finish. They are also simpler to clean since there are no burning rings or hot flames to worry about. However, they do tend to be a little more expensive than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to find replacement parts for when something goes wrong.
Induction hobs on the other hand, are a more modern and energy-efficient option. Electromagnets generate electricity that warms the bottom of pans, not the surface. They are quick to warm up and cool down. They are also safe as they only heat up when you place a pan on the zone. However they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually cast iron or steel) and can be more costly than other hobs.
There are also dual-fuel models which combine an electric oven with gas stove to provide the best of both. This is ideal if looking for an all-in-one appliance that can bake and roast while also boiling, frying or warming up dishes.
How do I set up hobs?
It is important to plan carefully when choosing a hob that can be used with an oven, particularly in a smaller kitchen. The cooker should be low enough to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang, be sure that it does not hinder reaching into or out of the oven. A drop down door is an ideal solution for this.
Also, consider the height of your stove and oven. If it's too low, it could be difficult to carry a hot roasting tray into and out. If you also have children, it's worth thinking about the proximity of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are within easy reach of children, while freestanding cooktops are usually higher and can be moved back to the back splash for added safety.
The best hobs for you will differ based on your lifestyle, the frequency you cook and whether you prefer a gas or electric hob. For example, if you often host guests, an oven with a bigger capacity could be the best choice for your needs. Likewise, if you love baking and cook, then an electric oven with an oven is a good option as it allows you to cook simultaneously and bake.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your household electrical setup will need to be able to cope with the power of the appliance you select. The addition of a new electric cooking appliance, or switching from gas to electric, can be expensive as you'll have to wire your whole kitchen.
The most secure method to install your new appliance is to have it plugged in by an electrician who is a professional. Making use of an extension lead or adapter is dangerous and could cause damage to your appliance.
When choosing an electrician, make sure they are certified and accredited by a trade body like Trusted Traders. This will allow you find a local tradesperson with the right qualifications for the job. Asking for quotes from several tradespeople is also important because prices can be very different. One method to do this is to use the search tool on our website that will help you find a reliable tradesperson close to you.
