Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You?
Hobs in the oven are an essential kitchen appliance, but deciding on the right one isn't easy. If you're in search of gas, electric or induction hobs, we'll assist you make the right choice.
Available in a variety of styles that include ceramic and induction, domino hobs offer an array of cooking options. Choose between one or two zones of heat and mix the models to meet your requirements. For instance, a ceramic section can be combined with a separate one for gas.
Gas
A gas hob is an essential kitchen appliance, providing a range of benefits to cooks who are professional and casual alike. This kind of stove is well-known for its flexibility and speed. It utilizes natural gas or propane to create a flame that heats pots and pans. The design of a gas cooker typically features several burners, that can be controlled via a knob that allows you to control the flame's intensity and temperature. Gas hobs are a great option for cooking with delicate methods like simmering or boiling.
A gas hob is also an elegant addition to any kitchen. Its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Unlike an oven gas hobs do not protrude from the countertop, making it ideal for countertops with smaller spaces. However, a major disadvantage of a gas hob is that it requires access to an LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) pipeline and a dedicated fuel supply that can add costs.
Gas stoves are designed with security in mind. They have flame failure devices that automatically shut off the supply of gas when the flame has been extinguished. This feature is crucial for homes with pets or young children because it guards against carbon monoxide poisoning and fire. Modern hobs are also equipped with automatic shut-offs that stop the flow of gas in case there is an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge.
If you are thinking of purchasing gas hobs, make sure to speak with a qualified Gas Safe Registered fitter to ensure your installation is done correctly and that the stove adheres to all safety guidelines. Doing the installation or repair of the gas hob yourself can lead to fire hazards, leaks and potential health risks.
It is therefore important to think about long-term costs prior to making a final purchase. For instance an electric hob can be more energy-efficient than a gas-powered hob since it can transfer heat directly to your cookware. Many electric hobs come with features such as automatic shut-offs and pan detection, making them more secure than gas counterparts.
Induction
While traditional electric and gas cooktops are heated by conduction (which involves a hot flame that heats the surface of your pot or pan) Induction makes use of electromagnetism in order to heat only your cooking pan. Induction cooktops are able to be heated quicker, more precisely and efficiently. It also means less energy wasted, since heat is only transferred to your cooktop through the magnetic field and not from an unheated resistance coil or open flame.
Induction stoves can be a challenge to get the hang of at first. They require a specific type of cookware that is compatible with the heating technology: flat-bottomed ferromagnetic pans and pots. The majority of newer kitchenware will work, but older pans and pots might not unless you use a induction interface disk. The interface disk is positioned on top of the cookware to create a magnetic surface. This allows the burners to communicate with the cookware. Induction cooktops may not be as hot like traditional electrical or gas cooktops, but they still could cause burns to your hands if you sit too long on the surface.
A second disadvantage is that the cookware can't be placed on the countertop if it is not over it. This is a safety measure to avoid burning and fires. It's also not possible to accidentally switch on an induction stove while your pan is cooling, like you would use a gas stove or electric oven.
The good thing is that induction ranges don't release harmful toxins into the air when they're off, like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory problems. Induction cookers are totally emissions-free when paired with renewable energy sources.
The one downside is that induction cooktops can emit a whirring sound. This is most noticeable at higher temperatures and may interfere with a digital thermometer however you can minimize this by using heavy flat-bottomed pans. The hum isn't a problem however some cooks find it annoying. Many appliance stores have loaner or showroom kitchens that you can test an induction cooktop prior to buying.
Ceramic
The most common type of hob that is used in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are set flush with the worktop and are covered in glass to give them a sleek, modern look. They are also easy-to-clean. The flat surface of these units means that there are no crevices for food to get trapped on and a simple wipe over is all that is needed. They are equipped with a variety of safety features, including hot indicators that let you know the time when the zones are hot, and locks that prevent children from using them.
They work by passing electricity through coiled metal parts in the glass that electronically heats up to the desired temperature of your cookware or pan. Although they're not as efficient as induction or gas, they offer a convenient and cost-effective method of cooking. They can be prone to scratching when pots and pans are pulled across the kitchen floor, however they do feature shatterproof safety glass.
The flat surface of the ceramic oven's hob makes it simple to heat up and cool down quickly as the heat is transferred to the cookware rather than the entire hob. This makes them easier to use in a bustling household. Ceramic hobs are also more expensive, but worth it for their style and ease of use.
It is important to remember that no matter what kind of hob you choose it must be based on your own preferences for cooking and your lifestyle. If you require high precision as well as speed and energy efficiency then gas or induction hobs might be more suitable for you. Before deciding on the type of hob you'd like to buy, it is important to take into consideration your budget and current cookware. Once you have completed this, you can start looking for the perfect new stove to match your oven. Our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can contact us by phone or email or visit one of our stores. We have a large selection of products to help you design the perfect kitchen for your home.
Halogen
There's something very satisfying about taking a halogen oven into the kitchen and seeing your food quickly cook underneath its glowing lid. It's a form of dry-heat cooking, meaning that it heats the air or food to high temperatures, and a Halogen oven can reach these temperatures quicker than conventional ovens, typically in a matter of minutes.
They're also more sensitive to temperature adjustments which makes them ideal for all types of cooking. For instance, they excel at frying and roasting, but can also be used to bake and steam. Some models are even capable of infrared grilling, without the mess and smoke of charcoal.
As well as being relatively quick to heat up, a halogen oven is also much faster than a conventional oven at reaching its maximum temperature. The power will snap off when it reaches the temperature, therefore there's no risk of overheating. The lid is designed to hold heat well, distributing it evenly and frying food to perfection.
Halogen ovens can be bought for less than PS40. They can be used to cook, steam and even rotisserie. Many have a glass bowl that makes it easier to monitor the food and make sure that the food isn't burning.
Halogen ovens have some disadvantages. For example bulbs may have to be changed after a set period of period of time. Also, some models have flimsy stands to support the element and these are easily smashed over by pets or kids.
Another issue that could be a concern is that halogen ovens can generate some unhealthy byproducts during the heating process. These are known as 'process pollutants' and include acrylamide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and can cause cancer in humans. But, if you're careful to follow the guidelines and use the oven with a non-stick cooking pan, you can reduce these risks considerably. Halogen ovens typically come with a warning label on them highlighting these risks and it's important to read it carefully before using the oven.