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.
Electric and gas ovens that have a stove are available. Gas cookers have four burners (usually four) and an oven, whilst electric cookers come with an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, exactly?
The main part of the stove is the hob (also known as a cooktop or cooker top). This is the area where you cook your pots. Ceramic, electric, and gas models are available. Some models even feature dual fuel burners - combining the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heating capability of a gas hob.
A hob can be used as a stand-alone appliance or as part of an integrated kitchen. When selecting a suitable hob for your home, you'll need to think about its dimensions, energy efficiency, and its ease of use. You'll also need to consider the kind of hob that best suits your cooking preferences and cooking style, since different types provide varying levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for example are popular among those who love stir-frying and frying because they are easy to use and offer instant heat. Induction hobs are a great choice if you wish to keep your kitchen as tidy as possible. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets, which means they only use energy when you're cooking, and then shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
You must have a gas pipe in place before you can install a new hob. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use, and you won't face any issues when it comes time to cook.
Hobs typically come with a range of controls, based on the type you select. On gas and solid sealed plate hobs you can adjust the heat using rotary controls. Touch controls are typically found on ceramic or induction hobs. They let you select the desired setting at your fingertips. Some hobs come with child safety locks so that your children and guests can't accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a passionate cook it could be worth investing in a hob that has additional features like a pause function or timer. These features can make it easier to cook at a time and will help you avoid overcooking or burning your food. You will also save time and effort if you make your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of a hob oven?
A hob can be an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering advantages like simplicity of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of cookware. When selecting the best hob, you should also be aware of other aspects like price and lifestyle compatibility.
One of the most popular types of hobs is a gas hob. They're easy to use and provide an excellent quality of heat control however, they require a gas connection which isn't available in all homes. They also take longer to warm up and cool down, which could make them less practical for cooking in the everyday.
Induction hobs offer another option for a sleek and efficient solution. They work by creating magnetic fields around the pan, meaning that it's only the cookware that becomes hot and not the surface of the hob. They are safe, easy-to-clean and can boil water in seconds. They are more expensive and only work with pots made of metal, which is best made of cast iron or 18/10 stainless steel. Induction hobs can affect pacemakers because they emit magnetic fields.
A combination hob is another option. This is a great option for those who are looking for the versatility of gas and induction, but don't want to spend an excessive amount. They let you switch between the two cooking methods, such as sauteing on the gas side while simmering induction, enabling you to create more complicated dishes while saving money over the long term.
Other features available on numerous hobs include a pause function that allows you to stop heating for all zones simultaneously and prevents accidents in kitchens with a lot of activity. There are also control and child locks to prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
A lot of hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage well that makes cleaning much easier. Most surfaces can be cleaned using a few squirts. However, tough stains and marks can be removed using hob scrapers.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
A hob is a cooktop used to heat pans and similar cooking vessels. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction. Some of them have features that help cook easier while others are more decorative.
Ceramic hobs, like are renowned for being elegant and easy to clean. They work by using electricity to heat the elements underneath the glass surface, which then transmits the heat directly to the pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy efficient since they only heat the pans and not the surrounding surface. They take longer to cool and heat, and are more susceptible to chips and scratches If not handled with care.
Another type of hob is the gas on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs, however they come with the added benefit of a elegant and sophisticated glass finish. There are no flames or hot burner rings to worry about, and they are easier to clean. They're more expensive, and it can be difficult to find replacement parts in the event that they fail.
Induction hobs on the other hand are a more contemporary and energy-efficient option. They use electromagnets to generate electricity, which then heats up the bottom of your pans rather than the hob's surface. They are quick to warm up and cool down. They are also safe since they only heat up when you place a pan in the zone. They are only compatible with specific pans (usually cast iron or steel) and can be more expensive than other types of hobs.
There are also dual fuel models, which provide the best of both worlds by mixing an electric oven with gas hob. This is ideal if you're seeking a complete appliance that bakes and roast while also cooking, boiling, or warming up dishes.
How do I set up a hob?
Choosing a hob and oven that work together, especially in a kitchen with a small space, requires careful planning. The cooker must be low enough to fit beneath the hob, and if there's an overhang, ensure that it doesn't hinder the ability to reach into and out of the oven. A drop-down door is an ideal solution for this.
Also, take into consideration the height of both your oven and your hob. If it's too low it can be difficult taking hot roasting tray in and out. If you have kids it is important to consider the distance of the cooktop from them. Hobs with built-in ovens can be easily reached by children while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and can also be pushed against the back splash.
The best hobs for your needs will differ based on your lifestyle, how often you cook and if you want a gas or electric hob. If you entertain guests often and need a bigger oven, a larger one might be better suited to your needs. Also, if you like baking and cook, then an electric oven that has a hob is a practical choice, as it allows you to cook and bake.
It's also important to keep in mind that your household electrical setup must be able to handle the power of the appliance you choose. Adding a new electric cooking appliance, or switching from gas to electric is costly since you'll need to upgrade your entire kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the most secure option. Using an extension lead or adapter can be dangerous and could cause damage to your appliance.
Check if the electrician is certified and certified by a reputable body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you find a local electrician who has the right expertise to complete the task. It is also essential to ask for estimates from a variety of tradespeople, as the price can vary considerably. You can find reputable tradespeople in your area by using the online search tool that is available on our site.