The majority of hobs are designed to be built-in and fitted to part of the work surface. Although models like the freestanding Bellingbutler break all traditional stereotype rules.
Electric Freestanding Hobs
Hobs come with two sets of dimensions, the actual dimensions of the hob and the dimensions required for the work top cut out which the hob will sit in. What you see of the hob when it’s in use is only the surface of the machine, the rest is underneath which is why you will see that all hob specifications include “aperture size required”. This is the size of hole that the hob sits in. The cut out dimensions are generally a few centimetres smaller than the actual dimensions, but please make sure you double check these before you buy, particularly if you are replacing an old hob.
If you are placing your hob on top of a unit that already contains another appliance (like an oven) you need to double check that it will fit by comparing the height of the hob with the amount of room between the surface and the appliance.
When choosing a hob you need to decide what fuel type you wish to cook on.
Gas hobs are great if you like to experiment a lot with your cooking and want a responsive hob with a selection of different size burners.
Electric hobs are available in three styles:
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Solid Plate Hobs feature convenient red dot heat zone plates, with a power on light indicator extremely handy for letting you know when the hob has reached the desired cooking temperature.
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Ceramic Hobs combine a sleek look with innovative functions, and are fitted with electronic touch controls, flexible cooking zones and a smooth durable ceramic glass surface that is heat resistant and easy to clean.
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Induction Hobs are widely recognized as one of the swiftest, safest and most efficient methods of cooking available. Induction hobs use an electromagnetic field to instantly generate heat, giving you the control and responsiveness of gas, but with far more energy efficiency.
The freestanding Bellingbutler break all traditional stereotype rules.