Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?

Ovens hobs are a vital kitchen appliance, but it can be tricky to decide which type is best for you. If you're looking for gas, electric or induction hobs we'll help you to make the right choice.

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

Gas

Gas hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that can be utilized by both professionals and cooks at home. Known for their ability to speed up and adapt this kind of hob makes use of propane or natural gas to create the flame that heats pots and pans, making it ideal for cooking using a variety of techniques. The design of a gas hob typically features several burners, which can be controlled by a knob that allows you to alter the intensity and temperature of the flame. This level of control makes a gas hob an ideal choice for delicate cooking methods such as boiling and simmering.

A gas hob is a sleek addition to any kitchen. Its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Unlike an oven, a gas hob does not sag into the countertop, which makes it ideal for countertops with smaller spaces. However, a major disadvantage of a gas stove is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline as well as a specific fuel source which can increase installation costs.

Gas stoves are built with safety in mind. They come with flame failure devices which automatically shut off the supply of gas if the flame goes out. This feature guards against the possibility of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning, and is particularly important in homes with pets or children. Similarly, modern hobs are equipped with automatic shut-off valves to prevent the gas from flowing in the event of an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.

Make sure you consult a Gas Safe registered Fitter before purchasing a gas stove to make sure the installation is completed properly and that your stove conforms to all safety protocols. Attempting to install or repair a gas stove yourself could lead to fire hazards, leaks and health risks.

This is why it is essential to think about the long-term expenses of a kitchen appliance prior to making your final purchase. For instance an electric hob could be more energy efficient than a gas hob, since it can transfer heat directly to your cookware. Many electric hobs come with features such as automatic shut-offs and pan detection, making them more secure than gas counterparts.

Induction

While gas and traditional electric cooktops heat through conduction (which involves a hot burner that heats the surface of your pan or pot) Induction makes use of electromagnetism to directly heat only your cooking pan. This lets induction cooktops heat up quicker, more precisely and efficiently. This also means less wasted energy because heat is transferred to your cooktop through the magnetic field and not from the heat of a resistance coil or open flame.

It can be challenging to master induction stoves initially. Induction stoves require cookware with a flat bottom and ferromagnetic properties. The majority of modern kitchenware can be used, however older pans and pots may not work unless you use an induction interface disk. The interface disk is positioned on top of the cookware to create an electrically charged surface. This lets the burners interact with the cookware. Induction cooktops are not as hot on your hands as traditional gas or electrical cooktops, however they could cause burns to your hands if you stay too long on the surface.

Another disadvantage is that the cooking surface won't turn on if your cookware isn't sitting on it as an important safety feature to avoid accidental fires and burns. Induction burners can't be accidentally switched on while a pan is cooling. This is not possible with a gas or electric stove.

Induction cookers do not release harmful pollutants like nitrous dioxides carbon monoxide, formaldehyde when switched off. These pollutants can cause worsening of respiratory problems. And when paired with renewable energy sources induction cookers can be completely emissions-free.

The only drawback is that induction cooktops may emit a buzzing noise. This is most noticeable at higher settings and can interfere with a thermometer for meat that is digital however you can minimize the noise by using thick flat-bottomed pans. The hum isn't a problem however some cooks find it annoying. It is best to try an induction cooktop prior to buying one and that's why a lot of appliance stores offer demo kitchens or loaners where you can try the cooktops.

Ceramic

Electric ceramic cookers are the most popular kind of cooker in UK kitchens. They are typically flush with the worktop, and then effixed in glass to give sleek and modern appearance and are easy to clean. They have a flat surface, so there are no crevices in which food particles can become stuck. A simple wipe is all you need. They come with a variety of safety features, including hot indicators that let you know that the zones are hot, and locks that prevent children from using them.

The pan or cookware is heated electronically by passing electricity through coiled elements under the glass that is tempered. Although they're not as efficient as gas or induction but they are a practical and cost-effective method of cooking. They are susceptible to scratches if pots and pans are dragged across the surface, but they come with shatterproof safety glasses.

The flat surface of the ceramic ovens hob makes it easy to heat up and cool down quickly as the heat is transferred to the cookware, not the entire hob. This makes them more practical to use in a bustling home. The ceramic hobs also tend to be more expensive than the other kinds but they are well worth it for the style and convenience they provide.

It is important to select a kitchen appliance that is suited to your cooking style and lifestyle. If you need high precision, speed and energy efficiency then gas or induction hobs might be more suitable for you. Before you decide on the kind of hob that you wish to purchase, it's crucial to think about your budget and current cookware. Once you've completed this, you can begin searching for the perfect new hob to match your oven. Our team of experts are ready to answer your questions. Contact us by phone, email or in person. We have a wide selection of kitchen products and can help you create the perfect home kitchen.

Halogen

It's incredibly satisfying to bring a halogen stove into your kitchen and watch food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a type of dry-heat cooking. This means that it heats the food or air to high temperatures. A halogen oven can reach these levels faster than conventional ovens, often in a matter of minutes.

They are also more sensitive to temperature adjustments which makes them suitable for all sorts of types of cooking. For example, they excel at roasting and frying, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models can even infrared-grill, without the mess or smoke of charcoal.

As well as being relatively quick to warm up, a halogen oven is also a lot quicker than conventional ovens at reaching the temperature at which it is most efficient and the power will cease to function when it reaches the temperature, therefore there's no risk of overheating. The lid is designed to keep heat in place to distribute it evenly, and browning the food perfectly.

Halogen ovens can be bought for less than PS40. They can be used for cooking, steam and even the rotisserie. Many have glass bowls which makes it simpler to monitor the food and make sure that the food doesn't burn.

Halogen ovens come with some drawbacks. For instance bulbs might need to be replaced after a set period of period of time. Some models have weak stands that can be easily smashed by children or pets.

Halogen ovens can also create certain harmful byproducts during heating. These are called 'process contaminants' and include acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), and they can cause cancer in humans. However, if you are mindful to follow the guidelines and use an oven with a non-stick cooking pan, you can reduce the risk significantly. These risks are typically highlighted on the warning labels of halogen ovens. It is crucial to read the label carefully prior to using this appliance.