Types of Ovens
The hob is at the heart of any kitchen, whether you are boiling a kettle or roasting a chicken. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, and there are various hob types to pick from including gas, electric, ceramic and domino.
Electric hobs are simple to clean and feature smooth surfaces. However, they take a long time to warm up or cool down. They only work with pans with flat bottoms. They may also come with heat indicators.
Ceramic Hobs
Ceramic hobs have revolutionised the cooking process, providing modern and sleek design and are easy to use. The ceramic hobs function using heating elements beneath the glass-tempered surface to spread heat evenly and swiftly across your cookware. Ceramic hobs come in a variety of designs, ranging from traditional gas burners and electric zones to more contemporary designs. The majority feature black glazed surfaces which is durable and resistant to scratches and chips.
The smooth flat surfaces of these stoves are easy to clean and wash in one go - you can even use household cleaners. They don't have open flames, so they are safe for families with elderly relatives or children. They typically feature control knobs that are rotary or touch to ensure safety, as well as a residual temperature indicator that alerts you if a zone remains hot after removing the pan from the hob.
They cost more than electric hobs, but cheaper than induction models. They can be an option for those who do not have gas in their home. Similar to induction models, they can be more efficient than other types of hobs however only if the cookware you use has an elongated base that maximizes the contact between the elements. Pans and pots that are not EXACTLY the identical size of your appliance are not recognized by the heating system, and therefore will not function properly.
It is crucial to have an electrician install your ceramic hob. Electricity work could be hazardous if not done correctly. Moreover, failure to get your ceramic hob professionally installed may invalidate the warranty and could cause potential fire dangers in the future. It's a small cost to pay to ensure your peace of mind and ensuring that your new cooktop is safe to use.
Gas Hobs
A gas hob, also known as a gas cooktop, is powered by natural or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is typically installed in your kitchen counter or unit. The burners can be lit manually with matches or a lighter. They are controlled with knobs to alter the temperature during cooking. Gas hobs are more efficient than electric ones and can be used to cook in any way.
Gas hobs have the disadvantage of needing a ventilation and gas supply system to work. This makes them more costly to install and may not be as efficient as induction hobs. They also pose a security risk since they are powered by gas that is flammable and require regular maintenance to check for gas leaks.
Induction hobs are a popular option. They utilize electromagnetic technology to directly heat your pans. This lets them boil water faster than gas models, and also provide precise temperature control. However, they only work with induction-compatible pans and are a bit more expensive than other types of hob.
Other alternatives include a ceramic glass hob, which offers sleek design and is easy to clean. It is 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 take longer to cool and heat than gas or electric models.
Freestanding gas stoves or hobs are a more traditional option that is suitable for kitchens that are large and open-plan designs where they can be the focal point. It requires a dedicated space and is typically fitted by an expert who is able to handle the installation process, which entails handling gas connections that can present risks if they are not handled properly.
Hobs Induction

A popular choice for those looking for an elegant and efficient method to cook, induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction technology to heat pans. In the glass surface, there are coils which when a pan that is compatible is placed on top of them, emit a magnetic field which creates an electrical current to run through the base of the pan. This generates heat which quickly warms the food inside the cooktop while it remains cool to the touch.
Induction hobs are also known as being more energy efficient than traditional models, regardless of whether they are electric or gas. Because they produce heat directly where the pan is situated this helps reduce the amount of residual heat that is wasted. This can also help reduce energy costs. Many induction hobs have an safety feature that shuts the hob off when there is no pan detected or if it is removed. This helps reduce the amount of energy wasted.
Similar to gas hobs, induction models come with various types of controls that include slide, dial and touchscreen controls. A slider control is similar to the knob on a traditional cooker and lets you alter the power level by one simple movement. A dial control is similar, with a large dial which can be rotated to select the desired setting. Touchscreen hobs are a different option, typically used on more expensive and sophisticated induction models. They have an electronic display that is easy to read and adjust.
Induction hobs come with extractors integrated that work with the hood to remove steam and smoke from the kitchen, and also to stop condensation and mould. These can be operated separately from the rest of the appliance and are typically activated by the use of a sensor or button or sensor, and can be programmed to automatically switch on when a pan is placed in the cooking zone.
Induction hobs are limited by the fact that they require specialized cookware to work. It is required for the bottom of the pan to have a magnetic base to create the electromagnetic process. However, this is not guaranteed to work with all models. hob Ovens & Hobs , stainless steel with a magnetic base, and some non-stick pans are all commonly used with induction hobs. However, you should always follow the manufacturer's advice to ensure your pan is suitable before buying the latest model.
Domino Hobs
Domino hobs are great for those with a small kitchen who still desire the freedom to experiment with different cooking styles. With two zones of ceramic, gas and induction domino hobs, and even a griddle option from Siemens You can mix and combine to create a modular cooking area that is suited to your needs.
Solid plate hobs are the most basic kind of hobs. They utilize sealed plates made of metal to heat electrical elements, which then create heat for your cookware. They are simple to use, affordable and durable. They can take a long time to heat and cool down and are more costly to operate than other types of hobs.
The Halogen model is a well-known alternative to solid-plate hobs. It utilizes a row of halogen bulbs underneath the glass ceramic surface in order to generate heat. The bulbs quickly glow and transfer heat directly to the pan once activated, making this kind of hob an easy and quick choice. Halogen hobs are not as efficient in energy use and are susceptible to damage by scraping the surface.
Induction hobs, which is a new type of hob growing in popularity, utilize electromagnetic technology to heat cooking zones instead of the surface. Induction hobs are environmentally green and economical than other hobs, however they can be more expensive and require induction compatible cookware.
Ceramic hobs are a stylish and contemporary option with their flat design blending seamlessly into the worktop, adding an airy feel to your kitchen. The surface is easy to clean and does not require any special cleaning products. Some models sport a chic frameless look and can be customized with buttons or dials, depending on your preferences.
Things to look for when buying a new hob include overheat protection, which turns off the heating element when it reaches an unsafe temperature. Look for indicators of residual heat which will warn you of the presence of a hot hob. A pause function can temporarily disable the cooking zones in use. This is helpful when you have to leave the kitchen.