“The Hob Awards: The Best, Worst, And Weirdest Things We've Seen
Which Ovens Hobs Are Right For You? Oven hobs are a crucial kitchen appliance, but choosing the right type isn't easy. If you're looking for electric, gas or induction hobs, we'll help you make the right choice. The domino hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. They provide a plethora of experience when it comes to cooking. Choose from either one or two heat zones, and mix the models to suit you; for instance, a ceramic area with an additional gas section. Gas Gas hobs are an essential kitchen appliance that is used by both professionals and cooks at home. This type of hob is renowned for its flexibility and speed. It makes use of natural gas or propane to create a flame which cooks food items and pans. Gas hobs are constructed with multiple burners that can be controlled by a knob to control the intensity and temperature of the flame. This level of control makes a gas stove an ideal choice for cooking with delicate techniques such as boiling and simmering. Additionally, a gas hob's sleek design makes for a sophisticated kitchen design, and its flat surface makes it simple to clean. Gas hobs are perfect for counters with small spaces since they don't protrude. However, a major disadvantage of a gas stove 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 is 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-off valves that stop the gas from flowing in the event of an unexpected electrical short circuit or surge. Make sure you consult a Gas Safe registered Fitter before purchasing a gas stove to make sure the installation is done correctly and your stove adheres all safety standards. Attempting to install or repair a gas stove yourself could lead to fire hazards, leaks and potential health risks. It is therefore important to consider long-term costs before making a purchase. Electric hobs are more efficient in energy than gas hobs, because they transfer heat directly to the cookware. Additionally, many electricity-powered hobs come with additional features such as automatic shut-off and pan detection that make them more secure than their counterparts. Induction While gas and traditional electric cooktops are heated by conduction (which involves a hot burner that heats the surface of your pot or pan), induction uses electromagnetism in order to heat only your cooking pan. Induction cooktops can heat up faster, more accurately and efficiently. This also means less energy wasted because heat is transferred by the magnetic field that surrounds your cooktop and not by an energized resistance coil. It can be difficult to master induction stoves at first. Induction stoves require cookware that has flat bottoms and ferromagnetic properties. Most modern kitchenware can be used, however older pots and pans might not unless you use a induction interface disk. The interface disk sits on top of the existing cookware and creates a magnetic surface that allows the burner to interact with it. Induction cookers don't affect your hands in the same way as the traditional electric or gas cooktop, but they can still become hot and burn when you place your hand on the surface for too long. A second disadvantage is that cookware cannot be placed on the surface when it's not placed on top of it. This is a security measure to avoid burning and fires. It's also not possible to accidentally turn an induction burner on when the pan is cooling, just as you would use a gas stove or electric oven. The good thing is that induction ranges do not release harmful pollutants into the air when they're turned off, including nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, which can worsen respiratory issues. And when they're paired with a renewable energy source, induction cookers can be completely emission-free. The only drawback is that cooktops with induction technology can produce a buzzing sound. This noise is noticeable at higher temperatures and may interfere with digital meat thermometers. However you can minimize it by using large pans with flat bottoms. The hum isn't a problem, but it can be irritating for certain cooks. Many appliance stores have showroom or loaner kitchens which you can use to test an induction cooktop before buying. Ceramic The most common type of hob found in UK kitchens is an electric ceramic cooker. They are typically flush with the worktop and effaced in glass to give a sleek and modern look, they are also easy to keep clean. The flat surface of these units means that there are no crevices for food to be trapped in and a simple wipe is all that is required. These ovens are equipped with a range of safety features, such as hot indicators that show the temperature of the oven and locks that stop children from using it. They operate by passing electric current through coiled metal components under the tempered glass that electronically heat to the desired temperature of your pan or cookware. Although they are not as efficient as gas or induction however they provide a convenient and affordable method of cooking. They are prone to scratches when pots or pans are dragged across the surface, but they feature shatterproof safety glasses. The flat surface of a ceramic hob makes it easy to heat up and cool down because the heat is transmitted through the cookware rather than the whole hob. This makes them easier to use in a hectic home. Ceramic hobs are also expensive, but are worth it due to their design and convenience. It is crucial to remember that whichever type of hob you pick it must be based on your own preferences in cooking and lifestyle. If you need high precision speed, energy efficiency and speed then induction or gas hobs might be more suitable for you. Before deciding on the type of hob you want to buy, it is important to take into consideration your budget and the cookware you currently have. Once you've done this, then you can begin looking for the ideal new hob to match your oven. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have. Contact us by phone, email or in person. We have a wide selection of products and can assist you in creating the perfect kitchen at home. Halogen It's extremely satisfying to bring a halogen stove in your kitchen and watch your food cook quickly under its glowing lid. It's a form of dry-heat, which means that the air or food is heated to high temperatures. Halogen stoves can reach these temperatures much faster than conventional ovens. They also respond better to temperature variations making them suitable for all types of cooking. For instance, they excel in roasting and frying but they can also be used to bake and steam. Some models even have an infrared grill without the smoke or mess of charcoal. As well as being relatively fast to heat up an oven made of halogen is also much more efficient than a conventional oven at reaching its maximum temperature. The power will shut off once it's reached – so there's no danger of overheating. The lid is designed to hold heat and distribute it evenly to cook food to perfection. Halogen ovens can be bought for less than PS40. They can be used for anything from frying to steaming, and some models even come with the ability to rotisserie. Many models have a glass dish that lets you monitor the food more easily and also prevents it from burning. Halogen ovens come with some drawbacks. For example bulbs may have to be changed after a certain time. Some models have weak stands that can be easily damaged by pets or children. Halogen ovens also generate certain harmful byproducts during heating. These 'process contaminants' which include acrylamide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) and heterocyclic amino acids (HCAs) could cause cancer to humans. However, if you're mindful to follow the guidelines and use the oven with a non-stick cooking pan that reduces these risks considerably. These risks are typically highlighted on the warning labels of halogen ovens. It is important to read the label carefully prior to using this appliance.