If you're thinking of building the construction of a new kitchen, or looking to upgrade your current appliance, an oven with hob is a great solution.
Ovens that have a hob are available as electric and gas cookers. Gas cookers include a set (usually four) of burners and an oven. Electric cookers have an oven and a cooking surface to cook on.
What is a hob, specifically?
The most important part of the stove is the hob (also known as a cooktop or cooker top). This is the place where you heat your pots. Ceramic, electric and gas models are available. Some models even have dual fuel burners - combining the speedy cooking time of an oven with the instant heating power of a gas stove.
A hob can be found as a stand-alone piece of equipment or as part of an integrated kitchen. When choosing a hob for your home, you'll need to consider its size, energy efficiency and user-friendliness. You'll also have to determine which kind of hob will best suit your cooking style. Different kinds of hobs have different levels of performance.
Gas hobs, like are popular among those who love stir-frying and frying because they're easy to use and provide instant heat. However, if you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs could be the right choice. They heat the pan directly using electromagnets. They only require energy when you're cooking, and then shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
You must have a gas line in place before you can install a new cooktop. This will ensure your hob is safe to use and that you don't encounter any issues when cooking.
Hobs usually have a variety 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 you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are generally found on induction or ceramic hobs. They let you select the desired setting at your fingertips. Some hobs also have child and safety locks, so you can ensure that your children and guests cannot unintentionally change the settings.
If you're a keen cook it could be worth purchasing a kitchen appliance with additional features, such as a pause function or timer. These features can make it easier to cook at a time and help to avoid overcooking or burning your food. You can also reduce time and effort if you make your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of a hob?
A hob can be a useful addition to any kitchen, providing advantages like simplicity of use energy efficiency, and compatibility with a variety of cookware. But, it's crucial to weigh these advantages against other factors like the cost and the lifestyle compatibility when selecting the best hob for your home.
Gas hobs are among the most popular types of hobs. They're easy to operate and offer an excellent quality of heat control however, they require a gas line, which isn't available in every home. They also take a longer time to warm up and cool down, which can make them less practical for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs are another alternative for a sleek, efficient solution. They function by creating magnetic fields around the pan, which means it's only the cookware that becomes hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe, easy to clean and boil water in only seconds. They're more expensive and work with metal pots, preferably made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. If you're a patient of a pacemaker, it's important to ensure that an induction cooktop will not interfere with it since these cookwares emit a magnetic field.
A combination hob is another alternative. This is a great option for those looking for the versatility of gas and induction, but don't want to spend a lot. They allow you to switch between the two cooking methods, such as sauteing on the gas side while simmering induction making it possible to cook more complicated dishes while saving money in the long run.Many stoves also have a pause feature that allows users to shut off heating all zones at the same time. This helps prevent accidents, especially in busy kitchens. There are also controls and child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
Many hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage well that makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts with kitchen cleaner is enough to keep most surfaces clean. However, stain and marks that are stubborn can usually be removed with hob scrapers that are specially designed for the job.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
Hobs are used to heat cooking pots and other vessels. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction. Some have features that make cooking more convenient while others are just decorative.
For instance ceramic hobs are known for being both elegant and stylish, as well easy to clean. They make use of electrical energy to heat the elements beneath the glass surface. This transfers heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient, as they only heat your pans. However, they could take a bit longer to heat up and cool down, and could be more prone to scratches or chips If you're not cautious.
Gas on glass is a different type of hob. They're similar to traditional gas hobs but have the added benefit that they are available in elegant, sleek glass finish. They are also less difficult to clean as there are no burner rings or hot flames to worry about. However, they can be found to be a little more expensive than other kinds of hobs, and they can be difficult to find parts replacements for if something goes wrong.
Induction hobs are a cutting-edge and energy-efficient option. Electromagnets generate electricity that warms the bottom of pans, not the surface. They are quick to warm up and cool down and are also safe because 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 hob types.
Additionally, there are dual fuel models, which give you the best of both worlds by mixing an electric oven with a gas hob. This is the ideal appliance if you want an appliance that can cook, boil and even warm food.
How do I install a hob?Choosing a hob and oven that work together, especially in a small kitchen requires careful planning. The cooker should be low enough to be able to sit beneath the hob, and if there's an overhang, ensure that it doesn't interfere with reaching in and out of the oven. This can be resolved with a drop down door.
Also consider the height of your stove and oven. If they're too low, it could be difficult to carry a hot roasting tray in and out. If you have children it is important to consider the distance of the cooktop from them. Built-in hobs are easily accessible by children, while cooktops that are freestanding tend to be higher, and can also be pushed against the back splash.
The best hobs for you will differ based on your lifestyle, how often you cook and whether you would prefer an electric or gas hob. If you entertain guests often and need a bigger oven, a larger one might be better suited to your requirements. If you love baking, an electric oven with stove is a great choice. It lets you cook and bake at the same time.
It's also important to keep in mind that your home's electrical setup must be able to cope with the power of the appliance you select. Adding a new electric cooker or switching from gas to electric can be expensive as you'll need to upgrade the entire kitchen.
The safest way to install your new appliance is to have it hardwired by an electrician who is a professional. Using an extension lead or adapter is dangerous and could cause damage to your appliance.
Find out if the electrician is licensed and endorsed by a professional body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you find a local electrician who has the right expertise to complete the task. Requesting quotes from multiple tradespeople is also essential, because prices can be very different. You can find trusted tradespeople in your area by using the online search tool accessible on our website.
