Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to upgrade or build your kitchen from scratch, an oven and a hob might be the best option.
Ovens that have a hob are available as gas cookers and electric cookers. Gas cookers come with an array of burners (usually four) and an oven, whereas electric cookers come with an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, precisely?
The most important part of the stove is the hob (also known as a cooker top or cooktop). This is the area where you cook your pots. Ceramic, electric and gas models are available. Some models even have dual fuel burners - combining the fast cooking times of an oven with the instant heat capability of a gas hob.
A hob can be installed as a standalone piece of equipment or an integral component of a kitchen built-in. When choosing a hob for your home, you'll have to think about its dimensions, energy efficiency, and user-friendliness. You'll also have to think about which type of hob best suits your cooking style since different models offer varying levels of performance.
Gas hobs, like are popular among those who enjoy frying and stir-frying because they are easy to use and offer instant heat. However, if you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs could be the best option. They heat the pan directly using electromagnets, so they only use electricity when you're actually cooking, and shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the stove.
It is essential to have a gas line in place before you can install a new stove. 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 have a variety of controls, depending on the type you select. Rotary controls are common on solid sealed plate and gas hobs, which allow you to adjust the quantity of heat you're cooking at any given time. Touch controls are usually found on ceramic and induction hobs, giving you the flexibility to select your preferred setting using your fingertips. Some hobs also come with child and safety locks, which means you can be certain that your guests and children don't accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a passionate cook it could be worth investing in a hob with extra features such as the ability to pause or a timer. These can make it easier to multitask while cooking and help to avoid overcooking or burning your food. You can also save time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of a hob?
A hob can be a valuable addition to any kitchen, offering benefits such as convenience as well as energy efficiency and compatibility with all types of cookware. But, it's crucial to weigh these up against other factors such as the cost and the lifestyle compatibility when selecting the right hob for your home.
Gas hobs are one of the most commonly used types of hobs. They're easy to operate and offer the highest degree of heat control, however, they require a gas connection, which is not accessible in every home. They take longer to warm up and cool off, making them less convenient for everyday use.
Induction hobs are another option that provide a sleek and efficient solution. They create magnetic fields around the pan, meaning that it's only the cookware that gets hot and not the surface of the hob itself. This means they're safe and easy to clean, and can boil water in a matter of seconds. They are more expensive and can only be used with metal pots, preferably made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. If you're a patient of pacemaker, it is important to check that an induction cooker will not affect it since these cookwares emit a magnetic field.
Another type of hob is a electric and gas model. This is a great option for those who want the versatility of both gas and induction but aren't willing to spend the money. You can switch between the two. For instance you can cook on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This allows you to make more complex dishes while saving money.
Other features available on numerous hobs include the ability to pause that lets you halt the heating of all active zones at once, helping to prevent accidents in kitchens with a lot of activity. There are also child and control locks that stop children or other persons from unintentionally changing the settings.
Many hobs are equipped with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage well, which makes cleaning easier. A few squirts with kitchen cleaner should be enough to keep most surfaces clean, but the most stubborn stains and marks are often removed using hob scrapers that are specially designed for the job.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
A cooktop is a hob that is used to heat pots and similar cooking vessels. There are a variety of types of hobs available, including gas, electric and induction hobs. Some have special features that are designed to help cook with ease while others are more attractive and are used as a design element.
Ceramic hobs, like, are known to be both elegant and easy to clean. They work by using electricity to heat the elements beneath the glass surface. This then transfer the heat directly to your pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy-efficient, as they only heat the pans, not the surrounding surface. They may take longer to cool and heat, and are more susceptible to scratches and chips when not taken care of.
Glass on gas is a different type of hob. These are similar to gas hobs that are traditional, however they come with the added benefit of having a sleek and elegant glass finish. There aren't any hot burner rings or flames to worry about, so they're less difficult to clean. However, they do tend to be a little more expensive than other types of hob, and aren't easy to locate replacement parts in the event of a malfunction.
Induction hobs, on other hand, are a more modern and energy efficient option. Electromagnets are used to generate electricity that heats the bottom of the pans rather than the surface. This makes them extremely fast to warm up and cool down, and they're extremely safe since the heating only happens when you place the pan on the zone. They are only compatible with specific pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more expensive than other types of hobs.
Additionally, there are dual fuel models, which give you the best of both worlds by combining an electric oven with a gas hob. This is the ideal appliance for anyone looking for an appliance that can cook, boil and even warm food.
How do I set up hobs?
It is crucial to think carefully when selecting a cooktop that is compatible with an oven, particularly in smaller kitchens. The cooker should be small enough to be able to sit under the hob. If there is an overhang, be sure it doesn't interfere with reaching into and out of oven. A drop-down door is an ideal solution to this.
Also, think about the height of your oven and hob. If they're too low, it may be difficult to take hot roasting pans in and out. Also, if you have children, think about the proximity of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are within easy reach of children, while freestanding cooktops are typically higher and can be moved back to the back splash to provide security.
The ideal hob for you will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking and if you prefer a gas or an electric hob. For instance, if you frequently host guests, then an oven that is larger may be the best choice for your needs. If you like baking, an electric oven with an oven is a good option. It allows you to cook and bake at the same time.
It's also worth bearing in mind that your domestic electrical system will need to be able to cope with the power of the appliance you select. Adding a new electric cooker or switching from gas to electric, could be costly as you'll have to wire your whole kitchen.
The most secure way to connect your new appliance is to have it wired by an electrician who is a professional. Using an extension or adapter is dangerous and could damage your appliances.
Find out if the electrician is licensed and certified by a reputable body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you find a local electrician who has the appropriate 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 search engine online that is available on our site.