If you're planning to build an entirely new kitchen or seeking to upgrade your current appliance, an oven that has a hob could be the perfect solution.
Hob-equipped ovens & hobs are available as electric and gas cookers. Gas cookers have a set 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 cooker tops or cooktops) are the most important part of a stove can be used to heat pots. They're available in gas electric and ceramic varieties. Some models even have dual fuel burners - combining the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heating power of a gas hob.
A hob can be set up either as a freestanding piece of equipment or an integral part of a kitchen built-in. When selecting a hob you must be aware of its size, energy efficiency, and its ease of operation. You'll also need to consider the kind of hob that best suits your cooking style since different models offer varying levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for instance are popular among those who love stir-frying and frying because they are easy to use and provide instant heat. Induction hobs are a great option for those who want to keep your kitchen as tidy as possible. They are able to heat the pan directly with electromagnets. They only use energy when you're cooking, and turn off automatically when the pan has been removed from the stove.
It is essential to have a gas pipe in place before you install a new hob. This will ensure that the hob is safe for use and that you don't encounter any issues when it comes to cooking.
Hobs typically come with a range of controls, based on the model you choose. Rotary controls are common on solid sealed plate and gas hobs, allowing you to alter the amount of heat you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are usually found on induction and ceramic hobs, giving you the flexibility to select the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs are also equipped with child and safety locks, so you can be certain that your guests and children don't accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a fervent chef, it could be worth investing in a further feature like a timer or pause function. They can help you multitask while cooking, and also prevent your food from being overcooked or burned. You can also cut down on time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of a hob?
A hob is an excellent addition to any kitchen. It offers many benefits, including convenience, energy efficiency, and compatibility with various kinds of cookware. When selecting the ideal hob, it is important to be aware of other aspects like price and lifestyle compatibility.
Gas hobs are one of the most commonly used kinds of hobs. Gas hobs are very simple to use, and they provide a superior level of heat control. However they require the gas connection, which isn't always available in every home. They take longer to warm up and cool off, making them less convenient for daily use.
Induction hobs are another option to provide a sleek and effective solution. They work by creating an electromagnetic field around the pan to ensure that only the cookware becomes hot and not the surface of your hob. They are safe, easy-to-clean and can boil water within seconds. However, they're more expensive than other types of hobs and only work with pans made of metal, ideally made from cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs can affect pacemakers since they generate magnetic fields.
Another kind of hob is a combination electric and gas model. This is a great choice for those who want the flexibility of both induction and gas but aren't willing to spend an enormous amount. They let you switch between the two, for example sauteing on the gas side while simmering induction, enabling you to create more complicated dishes while saving money over the long term.
Many stoves also include a pause feature that allows users to shut off heating all zones at once. This helps to prevent accidents, especially in kitchens that are busy. There are also controls and child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
A lot of hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage well, which makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts with kitchen cleaner ought to be enough to keep most surfaces clean. However, stain and marks that are stubborn can often be removed with a specialist hob scraper.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
A cooktop is a hob used to heat pans and similar cooking vessels. There are many different types of hob available, including gas, electric and induction hobs. Some have special features that are designed to facilitate cooking and others are more appealing to the eye and are used as a design element.
Ceramic hobs, such as are renowned for being elegant and easy to clean. They use electrical energy to heat the components beneath the glass surface, which transfer heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient, since they only heat your pans. However, they may take a little longer to cool down and heat down, and may be more prone to scratches or chips If you're not cautious.Another type of hob is the gas on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs, yet have the added benefit of a sleek and elegant glass finish. They're also generally easier to clean, as there aren't burner rings or hot flames to worry about. They're more expensive, and it can be hard to locate replacement parts should they break.
Induction hobs are an innovative and energy-efficient option. Electromagnets are used to create electricity which warms the bottom of pans rather than the surface. They are very fast to warm up and cool down and are also safe since 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 are more costly than other hobs.
There are also dual fuel models that offer the best of both worlds by combining an electric oven with gas hob. This is ideal if you're looking for an all-in-one appliance that can bake and roast, while also heating, boiling, or frying up meals.
How do I set up hobs?
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 must be low enough to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang, make sure it doesn't hinder access to and out of oven. This can be accomplished with a drop down door.
Also, consider the height of your stove and oven. It may be difficult to lift the hot roasting pan if it is too low. If you have kids take into consideration the distance between the cooktop and them. Built-in hobs can be easily reached by children while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher, and can be pushed up against the back splash.
The best hobs for your needs may be different depending on your lifestyle, how often you cook and whether you would prefer an electric or gas-powered hob. If you host guests frequently an oven with a bigger capacity may be more appropriate for your needs. If you enjoy baking and cooking, an electric oven that has stove is a great choice. It lets you bake and cook simultaneously.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your home's electrical setup will need to be able to handle the power of the appliance you choose. Adding a new electric cooking appliance, or switching from gas to electric is costly since you'll have to wire your whole kitchen.
The appliance you are installing is wired by an electrician is the best option. Utilizing an adapter or extension lead is dangerous and could damage your appliances.
When selecting an electrician ensure that they are licensed and accredited by a trade body like Trusted Traders. This will help you find an electrician in your area who has the skills to accomplish the task. Asking for quotes from several tradespeople is also important, since prices can differ greatly. A good method to do this is to use the search tool on our website that will help you locate a reputable tradesperson near you.
