Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or simply looking to upgrade your current appliance, an oven that has a hob might be the ideal solution.
Electric and gas ovens with a stove are available. Gas cookers include an array (usually four) of burners and an oven. Electric cookers have an oven and a surface to cook on.
What is a hob?
The primary component of the stove is the hob (also known as a cooktop or cooker top). This is the place where you heat your pots. They're available in gas, ceramic, and electric versions. Some models even have dual fuel burners that combine the speedy cooking time of an oven with the instant heating power of a gas hob.
A hob can be set up either as a stand-alone piece of equipment or as an integral part of a kitchen that is built-in. When selecting a kitchen appliance for your home, you'll have to take into consideration its size, energy efficiency and ease of use. You'll also need to consider the type of hob that best suits your cooking preferences since different models offer varying levels of performance.
For instance gas hobs are a favorite with people who like stir-frying and fry because they are quick to heat and are easy to manage. If you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs could be the way to go. They are able to heat the pan directly with electromagnets, which means they only use electricity when you're actually cooking, and shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
If you're considering installing an appliance, be aware that it's essential to have a functional gas pipe before installing one. This will ensure that the hob is safe to use and you won't have any issues when cooking.
Hobs typically come with a range of controls, based on the type you select. On gas and solid sealed plate hobs you can adjust the heat by using rotary controls. Touch controls are generally found on ceramic or induction hobs. They let you select the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs come with child safety locks, so that children and guests can't accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a keen cook, it might be worthwhile to invest in an extra feature such as a timer, or pause function. They can help you multitask while cooking, and prevent your food from becoming overcooked or burned. They also can save you time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of hobs?
A hob is a great addition to any kitchen. It has many advantages such as convenience, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of types of cookware. It is important to consider these benefits against other factors like cost and lifestyle compatibility when choosing the best hob for your home.
Gas hobs are among the most commonly used kinds of hobs. They are easy to operate and offer an excellent degree of heat control, but they do require a gas connection, which isn't always available in all homes. They also take longer to get hot and cool down, which could make them less convenient for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs are another option to provide a sleek and effective solution. They work by creating an electromagnetic field around the pan so that only the cookware is hot, not the entire surface of your hob. This means they're safe and easy to clean and can boil water in a matter of seconds. However, they are more expensive than other hobs and only work with pans made of metal, ideally made from cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs can harm pacemakers because they emit a magnetic field.
A combination hob is another option. This is a great choice for those who want the versatility of both induction and gas but don't want to invest a fortune. They allow you to switch between the two cooking methods, such as sauteing on the gas side and simmering with the induction side which allows you to cook more complicated dishes while saving money in the long run.
Many hobs also have a pause feature that allows the user to stop heating all zones at once. This can help prevent accidents, especially in kitchens that are busy. There are also control and child locks that stop children or other people from accidentally changing the settings.
Many hobs come with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage tray, which makes cleaning much easier. The majority of surfaces can be cleaned with the use of a few sprays. However, stubborn stains and marks can be removed using a hob scraper.
What is the difference between a hob and an oven?
A cooktop is a hob used to heat pans and similar cooking vessels. There are various types of hobs, such as gas, electric and induction. Some have features that make cooking more convenient while others are more decorative.
For instance ceramic hobs are known for being both sleek and stylish, as well easy to clean. They utilize electricity to heat the elements underneath the glass surface. This then transfers the heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient since they only heat your pans. However, they can take a little longer to heat up and cool down, and may be more susceptible to scratches or chips if you're not careful.
Gas on glass is a different kind of hob. These are similar to gas hobs that are traditional, however they come with the added benefit of a sleek and elegant glass finish. There aren't flames or rings that are hot to worry about, and they're easier to clean. However, they do tend to be a bit more expensive than other types of hobs and aren't easy to locate replacement parts when something goes wrong.
Induction hobs are an innovative and energy efficient alternative. They make use of electromagnets to generate electricity, which then warms up the bottom of your pans, rather than the surrounding hob surface. They are extremely quick to heat up and cool down. They are also safe because they only heat up when you place a pan over the zone. However, they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually steel or cast iron), and can be more costly than other hobs.
Finally, there are also dual fuel models that provide the best of both worlds by combining an electric oven with gas hob. This is ideal if you're seeking a complete appliance that can bake and roast while also boiling, frying or warming up food items.
How do I install a hob?
Choosing a hob and oven that work well together, particularly in a kitchen with a small space is a matter of careful planning. The cooker should be low enough to fit beneath the hob, and if it has an overhang, make sure it doesn't interfere with getting in and out of the oven . This can be resolved by a drop-down door.
Also, think about the height of both your oven and hob. If it's too low, it may be difficult to take hot roasting pans in and out. Also, if you have children, you should think about the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are in easy reach for children, whereas freestanding cooktops are typically higher and can be moved back towards the back splash for additional safety.
The best hobs for your needs may be different depending on your lifestyle, the frequency you cook and if you prefer an electric or gas hob. If you host guests frequently, a larger oven may be more suitable for your requirements. Likewise, if you love to bake or cook, an electric oven with a hob is a practical option, since it lets you to simultaneously cook and bake.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your domestic electrical system will need to be able to handle the power of the appliance you pick. It could be expensive to install a new electric appliance or switch from gas to electricity. You'll need to rewire the entire kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the best option. Using an extension lead or adapter is risky and could cause damage to your appliances.
When selecting an electrician, make sure they are certified and certified by a trade body like Trusted Traders. This will help you find a local electrician who has the right experience to do the job. Asking for quotes from multiple tradespeople is also essential, because prices can be very different. You can find trusted tradespeople near you by using the search engine online that is available on our site.