Making sure you purchase the correct hob for your specific culinary needs is important for the functionality of your kitchen. From gas to induction, you can drastically improve your cooking experience.
Whether you're looking to modernise your kitchen with a seamless model or in need of a robust and reliable model, we have the guide for you.
FUEL
The most important consideration to make is which fuel you want for you cooker hob. Currently there are only two options available, electric or gas.
Electric
Available in a variety of model types, electric hobs come in either ceramic, induction or solid plate. Solid plates ensure a sturdy performance, whilst ceramic and induction hobs provide a contemporary look and efficient performance.
Gas
A popular choice amongst professional chefs and keen home cooks, gas hobs provide a fast heat source for quicker cooking results. The easily adjustable flame controls allow flexibility over your culinary creations.
HOT ZONE
When planning a hob installation, it is vital you leave enough space above the hob surface - the Hot Zone. Furthermore, all materials above the hob surface must be fire resistant, including shelves, wallpaper and plug sockets.
For gas hobs, this needs to measure 75cm from the hob surface to the cooker hood, whilst electric hobs this only needs to be 65cm.
MEASUREMENTS
Before installing a new hob, it's crucial you consider the measurements are correct for your kitchen interior.
Firstly, you'll need to check the width. Most hobs vary between 60-90cm, whilst the standard depth measures around 50cm. Then you'll need to match the width of the hob to your cooker hood in order to provide thorough ventilation.
If you decide to install a gas hob above an oven, it's necessary to leave a 2.5cm gap between them to allow air to circulate.
FEATURES
There are so many features with ovens on the market today, but we have listed a few below that you could make sure you look out for.
Wok Burner
If you love cooking delicious Asian-style dishes, it worth looking out for gas hobs with a dedicated wok burner. This powerful ring of flames provides instant heat that quickly fries your food for fantastic flavours.
Easy Cleaning
No one likes having to spend ages cleaning their hob after every use. Luckily ceramic and induction hobs come with a sleek, smooth and shiny glass surface for simple cleaning.
Safety
When purchasing a gas hob, it is important to look out for flame failure devices that automatically cut off the gas supply when a flame cuts out.
Additionally, for touch control ceramic and induction hobs, it can be easy to accidentally switch between temperatures. Luckily most of these come with a lock feature to prevent children from fiddling with the settings.
Pan Detection
With some induction hobs, you'll find that there is a pan detection feature for efficient performance. By using especially designed electromagnets inside the hob, the pan will only heat up when it makes contact with the surface.
HOB FAQs
Since our foundation in 1978, we've sold hundreds of cooker hobs and also been asked the same number of questions. Here is a list of the most common.
What is the difference between hardwired and "plug & play" installation?
All electric and gas hobs will need to be either hardwired or "plug & play" during installation. This means that the hob will come with a plug already attached, or will need to be hardwired into the mains.
Will a gas hob need an electric supply?
It may sound strange, but gas hobs will require an electric supply in order to ignite the gas flame.
Can I switch from electric to gas hobs or vice versa?
You absolutely can! As long as you have a mains supply of the fuel you are switching to, it should be simple to change from gas to electric or the other way round.
How much does it cost to install a hob?
Here at Kitchen Economy we have priced our installation services extremely competitively in the market for the cheapest basket value in South Wales!
- Electric hob - £78
- Gas hob - £78
On average, that puts us £10-£110 cheaper than AO, John Lewis, Currys and Appliances Direct!
