Types of Ovens

The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting chicken. They come in a range of styles and sizes, and there are a variety of hob designs to choose from including gas, electric ceramic, domino and ceramic.

Electric hobs are easy to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However they take a long time to warm up or cool down. These hobs only work with pans with flat bottoms. They might also have heat indicators.

Ceramic Hobs

Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the way we cook, presenting an elegant and fashionable look whilst remaining easy to use. They function by using heating elements under the glass surface that is tempered to spread heat evenly and quickly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs are available in a range of styles ranging from traditional gas burners to contemporary electric zones and the majority of them have a black glazed finish that is hard-wearing and resistant to chips and scratches.

The smooth, flat surfaces of these hobs are easy to clean and wash in one go. You can even use most household cleaners. They don't feature open flames, which makes them an ideal choice for those with young children or elderly relatives living in the house. Typically, they feature rotary or touch control options for added safety and an indicator for residual heat which warns you when the area is still hot after the pan is removed from the stove.

They cost more than a basic electric hob however, they are less expensive than an induction model and can be a great option for those who do not have gas at their home. Like https://www.ovensandhobs.uk/ can be more efficient than other types of hobs, but only if your cookware is fitted with an elongated base that maximizes the contact surface with the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the same size as your element are not recognized by the heating system and won't function properly.

It is crucial to employ a certified electrician install your ceramic hob, since working with electricity can be possible to be dangerous if the installation isn't done correctly. Failure to have your ceramic stove installed by a professional could invalidate the warranty, and create fire hazards in the future. It's a small price to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.

Gas Hobs

Gas cooktops, also known as gas hobs, are powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). They are usually built into kitchen units or countertops. The burners can be lit by hand using a lighter or match. They are controlled by knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. The main benefit of gas hobs is that they offer instant heat compared to electric hobs and can be used for all kinds of cooking, from simmering and boiling to frying or sauteing.

Gas hobs suffer from the disadvantage of requiring gas supply and ventilation system to function. This makes them more expensive to set up and could not be as efficient as induction hobs. Gas hobs can also pose an hazard for safety since they are made of flammable gas and require regular maintenance to identify leaks.

Another popular option is an induction hob that employs electromagnetic technology to instantly heat your pans and allow them to boil water much quicker than gas models and also allowing for precise temperature control. However, induction hobs can only work with induction-compatible pans and can be a bit more expensive than other hobs.



Other options include a ceramic glass hob, which has an elegant appearance and is easy to wipe clean. It's available on both electric and induction models and is often the best option for those who prefer a sleek, modern finish to their kitchen. It's important to remember that this type can get very hot and takes longer to heat and cool than electric or gas models.

A freestanding gas stove or hob is a traditional option that's a good fit for kitchens with a larger size and open-plan designs where it can be used as the focal point. It requires a designated space and is usually fitted by professionals who are competent to manage the installation process, which includes handling gas connections that could pose dangers if not handled properly.

Induction Hobs

A popular choice for those looking for a sleek and efficient way to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to warm pans. Under the glass surface are coils that when a suitable pan is placed on the top of them, emit a magnetic field which causes an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This generates heat that quickly warms up the food in the pan, while the cooktop remains cool.

Induction hobs are also recognized for being a lot more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models. They only heat the area in which the pan is located, which reduces energy consumption and waste. A lot of induction hobs come with a safety feature which will shut off the appliance if no pan is detected or if the pan has been removed, further minimizing the amount of waste.

Like gas hobs, induction models have various types of controls that include dial, slide and touchscreen controls. The slider control is similar to a standard knob on a cooker, and allows you to adjust the power level in one simple motion. Dial controls are similar to a standard knob and have a large dial that can be turned to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs, typically found on more expensive induction models, with more advanced features, are a different option. Hobs with touchscreens feature an electronic display that is easy to read and adjust.

Induction hobs can be fitted with extractors integrated that work with the hood in order to clear smoke and steam from the kitchen, and to prevent condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the other appliances and are usually activated by sensors or buttons and can be programmed to automatically turn on when a pan is placed on the cooking zone.

Induction hobs are limited by the requirement for special cookware to function. The bottom of the pan has to have a magnetic base to be able to generate the electromagnetic induction process and even then, it's not guaranteed to work with all models. Cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic base and some non-stick pans are typically used with induction hobs, although you should always check the recommendations of the manufacturer to ensure that your pan is suitable prior to buying the latest model.

Domino Hobs

Domino hobs are ideal for those with a small kitchen, but want the flexibility to experiment with various cooking styles. With two zones of ceramic, gas and induction domino stoves available and even the option of a griddle from Siemens, you can mix and match to create a modular cooking space that suits your needs.

Solid plate hobs are the simplest kind of hobs. They make use of sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements. They then create heat for your cookware. These are inexpensive, easy to use and hard-wearing. However, they can take a bit of time to cool down and heat down, and are more expensive than other hob models.

A popular alternative to solid plate hobs is the halogen hob, which utilizes a row of glowing halogen bulbs set on the glass ceramic surface to generate heat. This kind of hob is quick and responsive because the bulbs light up quickly and then transfer heat directly to the pan. However, halogen hobs may be susceptible to damage due to scraping against the hard-wearing surface, and are also less energy efficient than other types of hob.

Induction hobs are a brand new and becoming increasingly popular type of stove, making use of electromagnetic technology to heat the cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are more environmentally green and economical than other hobs, but can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.

Ceramic hobs are a stylish and modern choice with their flat-style design blending seamlessly into the worktop to add an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and doesn't require any special cleaning products. Some models have a stylish frameless look and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.

Things to look for when buying a brand new hob include overheat protection, which switches off the heating element if it exceeds an unsafe temperature. Also, look for residual heat indicators that will inform you when your hob is too hot to contact and could cause burns. A pause function may temporarily turn off the cooking zones in use. This is useful if you have to leave the kitchen.