A Guide to Ovens and Hobs
Hobs and ovens give a sleek, modern feel to any kitchen, and can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen worktops and units. Shop our full range of ovens and hobs now.
Electric hobs heat up using a variety of 'cooking ring designs, which have between four and six different power levels. It can take a few minutes to get them heated up and cool down.
Hobs of different types
The kitchen hob, stove top or range cooker (the latter being the complete cooking appliance you roast and bake food in) is an essential component of every home. It is used for a variety cooking methods, and it's crucial to select the best hob for you. There is a hob for everyone, no matter if you're a master cook who is a perfectionist or a busy home cook looking for speed.
Electric ceramic and induction stoves are completely flat and frameless and add to the sleek appearance of any kitchen. Each of the five or four zones can be controlled with an individual dial. This allows you to choose of boiling potatoes on one ring and sautéing sausages on a different ring which is ideal for busy families. They are quick to heat up and their smooth surface makes them easy to clean. They can be more expensive than gas hobs, and may take longer to heat and cool down.
Gas hobs are popular among chefs due to their instant heat, and allow precise control. They're also secure with built-in flame failure safety systems that shut off the gas supply if there's leak. However, they're less efficient in energy than electric or induction hobs, and are more difficult to clean due to the pan supports and burners.
Plate hobs are the traditional type of hob that has been in use for a long time. They have a flat-topped top that is fitted with gas or electric rings that heat when you turn the dial. They're affordable, but not ideal for cooking with cast iron because they do not evenly distribute heat across the whole surface.
Induction hobs utilize an electromagnetic field to directly heat your pan instead of heating the surface like traditional hobs. They are safer since there's no open flame. They're also easy to clean. They're also more expensive and take longer to heat and cool than gas or electricity hobs.
Gas hobs

Gas hobs are a preferred choice for home cooks due to of their speedy heating capabilities as well as their ease of control. You can find models with between two and six burners. Some models include a wok-burner for stir-fry cooking. Some hobs have a visual indicator that informs you whether the burner is running or off.
They heat food faster than induction or electric models, so are ideal for kitchens with a lot of activity. They are cheaper to operate than electric hobs, if you make use of renewable energy sources.
You can get freestanding gas hobs or built-in models. The latter are the best choice if you're planning to remodel your kitchen as they are easy to move later. However, they are difficult to install and may require hacking into your completed carpentry, which isn't ideal for all homes.
They have a flat and smooth surface, making them easier to clean. They typically have sleek stainless steel trims, which can be incorporated into many kitchen designs. Some have touch-sensitive controls and a power boost function that lets you increase the intensity of a specific burner by up to 50%, meaning you can bring a pot of water to the boil in no time.
Some gas hobs have an automatic safety system that stops the flow of gas once the flame goes out to ensure that you aren't at risk of accidentally causing a fire. They can also be cheaper than some electric hobs to operate, and offer precise temperature control for different cooking techniques.
Gas hobs emit carbon dioxide when they burn. This could be a problem for eco-conscious customers. There are, however, models that don't produce any CO2 while they're being used. These gas hobs with zero emissions or eco-friendly gas stoves' have all the features of a traditional gas model while emitting zero CO2.
Electric hobs
Electric hobs are a common option for kitchens of every design. They offer a number of advantages over other kinds. They are able to heat up and cool down quicker than gas hobs. This means less residual heat is left in the cookware when it is taken off. They also heat more consistently and are less prone to hot spots than gas models. Because they are electric, they require less maintenance and are much cheaper to run than gas.
Ceramic or glass electric hobs are most 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 also makes them a preferred option for families with children, since they aren't likely to be damaged or crushed by heavy pans. They're also reasonably priced to run and can be repaired if damaged.
Unlike traditional plate hobs, that make use of coils to generate heat that is then transferred to the cookware, ceramic hobs employ an induction system to directly heat the pan. They can heat and cool much faster and can be used to cook with any type of cookware. They're generally more expensive than electric plate hobs however they'll save you money on energy costs in the long run due to their efficiency and the way they convert almost all of the electrical energy into usable heat.
It is essential to maintain your ceramic or tempered glass hob regularly to avoid any problems. For example cleaning the cooktop using a non-abrasive cleaning solution is recommended as well as checking and replacing faulty heating controls and regularly clearing out burner caps and grates. Keep an eye out for gas smells, because they could indicate a problem in the gas lines or gas leaks. If you suspect this, it's recommended to seek out a professional in gas to seek assistance. To avoid serious damage ensure that the stove is turned off and cooled down before cleaning. This will also help prevent accidental spills and fires!
Hobs with induction
Modern alternatives to traditional electric and gas hobs, induction cookers use a magnetic field to heat the pan itself rather than the cooktop. They are more efficient than other types of stoves, and can save you energy over time. The cooktop's surface is cool to the touch and many models have safety features like automatic shutoff to avoid accidents.
Induction hobs are typically glass or ceramic with an alternating current that creates a magnetic field to heat. Induction-compatible cookware must have flat bases and a steel core. The magnetic field is activated when the pan is placed over the cooking zone. Most hobs feature a 'bridging zone' which can join two zones together to accommodate larger pans.
Induction hobs are known for their efficiency. Many have reported a reduction in their overall energy bills when they switch to one. Induction hobs are also thought to be more secure, since the cooktop's surface remains cool to the touch and reduces the risk for burns. They only heat the pan and the contents. This makes them more child-friendly than electric or gas stoves that can get very hot and pose a burn hazard.
The majority of induction hobs come with different control options. The most basic is a simple touch bar/power bar on top of the hob. Some have an all-inclusive display that displays all the options available, and allows you to change power levels and set timers. best ovens and hobs uk with more advanced technology have many small copper coils that are tightly grouped together under the cooktop. The magnet under each coil detects the time when the pan is positioned. It then activates the coil to match the pan's size and shape.
All of our ovens and stoves can be purchased as freestanding models or easily integrated into kitchen units for sleek and seamless design. Our range of products ranges from sleek black and stainless steel finishes to trendy ceramic and copper. Be sure to take a look at our other appliances too including refrigerator freezers, and washing machines, to make sure that your kitchen functioning exactly as it should.