Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to upgrade or build a new kitchen, an oven and hob could be the ideal solution.
Electric and gas ovens with a stove are available. Gas cookers have an array of burners (usually four) and an oven, whilst electric cookers have an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, specifically?
Hobs (also known as cooktops or cooker tops) are the main part of a stove that cooks pots on. They're available in gas, ceramic, and electric versions. Some models feature dual fuel burners, which combine the fast cooking times of an electric oven with the instant heat power of a gas stove.
A hob can be installed as a standalone appliance or as an integral component of a kitchen built-in. When selecting a suitable hob for your home, you'll have to think about its size, energy efficiency and ease of use. You'll also have to decide which type of hob is best for your cooking style. Different kinds of hobs have different levels of performance.
For instance, gas hobs are popular for those who love to fry and stir-fry because they're quick to heat up and are easy to control. If you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs may be the best option. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets. They only require power when you're actually cooking, and then shut off automatically when the pan has been removed from the hob.
It is essential to have a gas pipe in place before you install a new cooktop. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use and you'll not face any issues when it comes time to cook.
Hobs typically come with a range of controls, based on the model you choose. Rotating controls are commonly found on gas and solid sealed plate hobs. They allow you to alter the amount of heat that you cook at any time. Touch controls are typically found on induction and ceramic hobs, which give you the ability to choose the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs also have child and safety locks, so you can be certain that your guests and children won't unintentionally change the settings.
If you're a passionate cook, it might be worth buying a cooktop with extra features such as the ability to pause or a timer. These can make it easier to multitask while cooking and can help to avoid overcooking or burning your food. You can also cut down on time and effort if you make your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of hobs?
A hob is a great addition to any kitchen. It comes with many advantages such as ease of use, energy-efficiency and compatibility with different types of cookware. But, it's crucial to consider these benefits against other factors such as price and lifestyle compatibility when selecting the right hob for your home.
One of the most well-known types of hobs is a gas hob. Gas hobs are very simple to use, and they provide a high degree of heat control. However, they require an gas connection that is not available in every house. They also take a longer time to get hot and cool down, which can make them less convenient for everyday cooking.
Induction hobs are a different option that provide a sleek and effective solution. They create an electromagnetic field around the pan, so that only the cookware becomes hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe and easy to clean and boil water in a matter of seconds. However, they're more expensive than other hobs and are only compatible with metal pans - ideally made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs can affect pacemakers because they emit magnetic fields.
A combination hob is another alternative. This is a great option for those looking for the versatility of induction and gas but don't want to invest much. They let you switch between the two, for example sauteing on the gas side while simmering induction making it possible to cook more complicated dishes while saving money in the long run.
Other features you can find on many hobs include a pause feature, which allows you to halt the heating of all zones simultaneously which helps prevent accidents in kitchens that are busy. There are also control and child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
A lot of hobs come with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage well that makes cleaning much easier. The majority of surfaces can be cleaned with just a few squirts. However, tough stains and marks can be removed with hob scrapers.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
Hobs are used to heat pots and other cooking vessels. There are many different types of hobs available that include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some of these have specific features designed to help cook with ease, while others are more appealing to the eye and are used as a design feature.
For example, ceramic hobs are renowned for their elegant and stylish, aswell being easy to clean. They work by using electrical energy to heat elements underneath the glass surface, which then transfer the heat directly to the pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy efficient since they only heat the pans, not the surface. However, they can take a bit longer to cool down and heat down, and could be more prone to scratches and chips If you're not cautious.
Another type of hob is a gas on glass model. These are similar to traditional gas hobs, yet have the added benefit of having a sleek and sophisticated glass finish. They are also less difficult to clean as there aren't any burning rings or hot flames to worry about. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive than other types of hobs, and they aren't easy to locate replacement parts if something goes wrong.
Induction hobs, on the other hand are a more modern and energy efficient option. They make use of electromagnets to generate electricity, which heats up the bottom of your pans, rather than the surrounding hob 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 steel or cast iron), and can be more expensive than other hobs.
There are also dual fuel models that offer the best of both worlds by combining an electric oven with a gas hob. This is the ideal appliance if you want an appliance that can fry, boil and even warm food.
How do I install hobs?
Choosing a hob and oven that work well together, particularly in a small kitchen is a matter of careful planning. The cooker should be low enough to fit under the hob. If there's an overhang, make sure it doesn't hinder the ability to reach into and out of the oven. This can be solved with a drop down door.
Also, consider the height of both your oven and the hob. If it's too low it can be difficult taking a hot roasting tray in and out. If you have children, you should also consider the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are within easy reach for children, whereas freestanding cooktops are usually higher and can be pushed back towards the back splash for added safety.
The best hobs for you may be different depending on your lifestyle, the frequency you cook and if you prefer an electric or gas hob. For example, if you often host guests, an oven with a bigger capacity could be more suitable for your needs. If you enjoy baking or cooking, an electric oven with a stove is a good option. It lets you bake and cook simultaneously.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your home's electrical setup must be able to cope with the power of the appliance you pick. The addition of a new electric cooking appliance, or switching from gas to electric is costly since you'll need to upgrade your entire kitchen.
The safest way to install your new appliance is to have it plugged in by a professional electrician. The use of an adapter or extension lead can be dangerous and damage your appliances.
When selecting an electrician make sure they are certified and certified by a trade association such as Trusted Traders. This will help you find an electrician in your area with the right experience for the task. Asking for quotes from multiple tradespeople is also important, as prices can vary greatly. You can find reputable tradespeople in your area using the online search tool accessible on our website.