What is a Ceramic Hob?

How Do Ceramic Hobs Work?

The magic of ceramic hobs lies in their advanced heating mechanisms. They use radiant heat technology, which involves high-powered heating elements placed underneath the ceramic surface. When you turn on the hob, these elements heat up, transferring their energy through the ceramic glass to the pan above.

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Unlike traditional gas hobs, which heat the pan directly, ceramic hobs heat the surface area beneath the pot or pan. It means that heat distribution is generally more even, and you have better control over your cooking temperature. The flat surface also ensures minimal heat loss, making ceramic hobs more energy-efficient than their counterparts.

How to Use a Ceramic Hob

Using a ceramic hob is relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:

1. Turn on the hob: Use the touch controls or knobs, depending on your hob's design, to select the desired heating zone and adjust the temperature level.

2. Place your cookware: Put your pan or pot on the hob, ensuring it's centred on the heating zone.

3. Monitor your cooking: Keep an eye on the cooking process. The ceramic hob provides consistent heat, but it's always a good idea to stir the contents of your pan to ensure even cooking.

4. Turn off the hob: Once done, turn off the hob using the controls.

5. Wait for the hob to cool down: The hob surface can remain hot for some time after being switched off. Some models have a heat indicator that tells you if the surface is still hot to touch.

Remember, never place empty cookware on a heated ceramic hob as it could damage both the hob and the cookware.

Do Ceramic Hobs Need Special Pans?

Ceramic hobs require pans with a flat bottom to ensure optimal heat transfer. The pan material should also be able to withstand high heat without warping. Generally, stainless steel, titanium, and aluminium pans are recommended. Non-magnetic stainless steel, copper, glass, and ceramic pans are less effective on ceramic hobs as they don't conduct heat as efficiently.

Why Do Ceramic Hobs Go On and Off?

Can Ceramic Hobs Be Repaired?

Yes, ceramic hobs can be repaired. Common issues like non-responsive controls, uneven heating, and a broken surface can be fixed by a professional technician. However, always remember to use a licensed and certified professional for repairs to ensure safety and prevent voiding your warranty.

Do Ceramic Hobs Get Hot Underneath?

Ceramic hobs, while being efficient cooking appliances, do generate heat that spreads beneath their surface. This heat is mainly due to the high-powered heating elements used to transfer heat to your pots and pans.

However, these hobs are engineered to effectively manage this under-surface heat. Most high-quality ceramic hobs are designed with integrated cooling fans. These fans are strategically placed to dissipate the heat generated by the elements and maintain the overall operational efficiency of the hob.

The hob's construction is also designed to insulate and contain the heat to the cooking surface. The base and sides of the hob are generally well-insulated to minimise heat transfer to your kitchen counter.

Yet, it's essential to ensure your ceramic hob is correctly installed to maximise these cooling and insulation mechanisms. The installation should provide ample space around and beneath the hob for adequate ventilation. This is especially important if the hob is installed above an oven or another heat-producing appliance.

Are Ceramic Hobs Safe for Pacemakers?

Modern ceramic hobs generate an electromagnetic field to heat up the cookware, much like their induction counterparts. But unlike induction hobs, which may interfere with certain pacemakers, the electromagnetic field in ceramic hobs is limited and does not pose a risk for pacemaker wearers.

However, each person and their medical condition are unique. Therefore, if you have a pacemaker, it's always best to consult with your medical professional or the pacemaker manufacturer to ensure that using a ceramic hob is safe for you.

How to Replace a Ceramic Hob

Over time, even the best-maintained ceramic hobs may need replacement, whether due to wear and tear or simply to upgrade to a more modern model. Here are the steps to replace your ceramic hob:

If you are not qualified to do it yourself, hiring a professional is advisable. They will ensure the installation is safe, correct, and complies with any local electrical codes or regulations.

1. Turn off the power: Always begin by switching off the power to your ceramic hob at the mains. Safety should always be your first concern.

2. Remove the existing hob: This process will vary depending on your model. Typically, there are screws holding the hob in place, which can be removed with a screwdriver. Once the screws are out, carefully lift the hob from its position.

3. Disconnect the wires: Label the wires before disconnecting them from the hob to make the reconnection process easier.

4. Connect the new hob: Match the labelled wires to their corresponding places on the new hob and secure them.

5. Install the new hob: Place the new hob into the cut-out space, ensuring it fits snugly and is aligned correctly. Secure it with the provided screws.

6. Restore power: Once everything is securely in place, restore power to your new hob. Check to ensure all the heating zones are working correctly.

Are you interested in purchasing a ceramic hob? Check our range and get affordable prices with free and fast delivery today! 

What Are the Advantages of Using a Ceramic Hob?

1. Sleek Design: Ceramic hobs offer a modern, sleek look that enhances the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen. Their seamless, flat surface is not only stylish but also makes cleaning a breeze.

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2. Easy Maintenance: The smooth, uninterrupted surface of a ceramic hob is incredibly easy to clean. Spillages do not get trapped around burners like they do on gas hobs, which makes maintaining cleanliness much simpler.

3. Consistent and Even Heating: Ceramic hobs provide consistent and evenly distributed heat, which allows for better cooking control. The heat remains consistent across the entire base of the pan, providing an optimal cooking environment.

4. Energy Efficient: Ceramic hobs are more energy-efficient than traditional gas hobs. They heat up quickly, reducing the amount of electricity used, which can result in lower energy bills.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Ceramic Hob?

1. Slow Heat Changes: One downside of ceramic hobs is that they can be slow to change temperature. If a recipe calls for an instant reduction or increase in heat, ceramic hobs may not respond as quickly as gas or induction hobs.

2. Heat Retention: Ceramic hobs retain heat for a while after they've been turned off. While this can be an advantage for keeping food warm, it also means the hob remains hot for some time, posing a potential safety risk, especially around children.

3. Durability: The ceramic glass surface, while being resistant to heat, can be prone to scratches or, in the worst case, cracking if heavy items are dropped onto it.

Why Would You Choose a Ceramic Hob Over an Induction Hob?

While both ceramic and induction hobs offer sleek designs and easy cleaning, there are a few reasons you might choose a ceramic hob over an induction one:

1. Cost: Ceramic hobs are generally less expensive than induction hobs, both in terms of upfront cost and installation.

2. Cookware Compatibility: Ceramic hobs do not require special cookware like induction hobs do. With an induction hob, you need pans that are magnetically conductive. In contrast, ceramic hobs are compatible with most types of cookware, providing they have a flat bottom.

3. Simplicity: Ceramic hobs are often seen as simpler to use than induction hobs. While they may not have the precise temperature control of induction, they offer a straightforward and intuitive cooking experience, making them a great choice for all types of cooks.

Why Would You Choose a Ceramic Hob over a Gas Hob?

There are several reasons why one might opt for a ceramic hob over a traditional gas hob:

1. Easy Cleaning: Unlike gas hobs, which have various components that need to be removed and cleaned separately, the flat surface of a ceramic hob can be wiped clean in one go.

2. Safety: Ceramic hobs don’t have open flames, reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, they often come with a residual heat indicator that warns you if the hob is still hot, adding an extra layer of safety.

3. Energy Efficiency: Ceramic hobs generally use less energy than gas hobs. They heat up quickly and maintain a consistent temperature, reducing energy waste.

4. Sleek Look: Ceramic hobs offer a modern, sleek look that can elevate any kitchen design. They blend seamlessly with your countertops and can make your kitchen look cleaner and more spacious.

Which Pans Are Best For a Ceramic Hob?

Selecting the right cookware for your ceramic hob is essential to achieve the best cooking results. The type of pan you use can greatly influence how your dishes turn out, from searing to simmering and everything in between. In this table, we'll explore the best types of pans for various cooking situations on ceramic hobs, helping you make informed choices in your kitchen.

Cooking SituationBest Type of PanWhy It's IdealHigh-Heat SearingCast Iron Frying PanExcellent heat retention and even distribution.SautéingStainless Steel PanResists staining, maintains the integrity of flavours.Simmering SaucesNon-stick SaucepanPrevents sticking, easy to clean for delicate sauces.FryingNon-stick Frying PanRequires less oil, easy food release, and cleaning.Boiling PastaLarge StockpotHigh capacity, even heating for pasta and grains.Stir-FryingWok or Stir-Fry PanSloped sides for tossing, distributes heat evenly.BraisingDutch OvenRetains moisture, ideal for slow-cooked dishes.BakingOvenproof Baking DishSafe for oven use, great for casseroles and roasting.

In Conclusion

How to choose the best ceramic hob

Ceramic hob buyers guide

Sleek, stylish, and easy to care for, ceramic hobs are a popular choice for cooks everywhere. When choosing the best ceramic hob, we understand that you want to get it right. You may want a little help and advice before making your decision, and this guide aims to provide just that.

Things to consider when buying a ceramic hob

It can be difficult to know where to start when choosing a new kitchen appliance, particularly if it’s a type you’ve not purchased before. Ceramic hobs differ from other types of hob in a number of ways, so it’s worth taking a few moments to understand just what they are and how you’ll use one.

What is a ceramic hob?

A ceramic hob is a highly effective solution built from shatterproof and highly conductive ceramic glass above heating elements. As well as providing a streamlined, smooth surface that looks fabulous, ceramic hobs heat up quickly and provide a nice, even temperature on which you can cook your favourite dishes.

How a ceramic hob works

A ceramic hob works by conducting heat to the ceramic glass surface from a heating coil element beneath its surface. This heat level is variable and can be adjusted using the heating controls on the hob itself. There are no visible hob rings, instead, there are heated areas called zones available on the hob’s surface.

How to clean your ceramic hob

The cleaning of a ceramic hob is easier than with some other hob types. Many people appreciate how simple it is to clean such a smooth, flat area. This contrasts sharply with gas hobs that have lots of parts that need to be taken apart and cleaned before putting them all back.

Cleaning a ceramic hob after each use is the best way to stop baked-on cooking residues from building up. Simply make sure you have switched off the hob and allowed it time to cool down. Then, just use warm water with a dash of washing up liquid in it along with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to wipe the surface. Always dry it off with a soft, dry cloth when you’re done, and that’s all there is to it.

Best pans for a ceramic hob

Once you’ve installed your shiny, new ceramic hob, the last thing you want to do is cause any damage to the surface by using the wrong pans. It’s best to use either new pans or those that you haven’t been used on gas hobs. This is so that you can be sure the bottom of the pans is nice and smooth and even, ready to sit on the sleek ceramic glass surface of your new hob. Choosing good quality pans is always the best option: ideally, select pans with an anodised or coated base so that they won’t scratch the surface.

Ceramic hob vs induction hob

Given that the two types look quite similar, you might wonder what the differences are between ceramic and induction hobs. The obvious difference is the material the surface of the hob is made from. Ceramic hobs are made from ceramic glass, and induction hobs are not. The other difference to bear in mind is in the type of heating element. The coil in an induction hob will only induce heat when you place a pan on the heat zone. This is not the case with a ceramic hob which will deliver heat whenever one of the heat zones is switched on. Induction hobs may have the edge in terms of energy efficiency, however, the purchase price is significantly higher. Pans suitable for induction hobs may also come at a premium.

Key Features

As with other hob types, ceramic hobs come with a range of features and options including those below.

Number of heat zones

Most ceramic hobs offer either four or five separate heat zones. This is determined by the size of the hob and your preferences.

Controls

Many of the latest models offer touch controls and digital displays. Rotary controls are a further option but they can compromise the smooth appearance. Some rotary controls pop up when pushed which improves the appearance but none of the rotary options are as easy to keep clean as touch controls which lie beneath the surface.

Budget

Here at Knees Home & Electrical, we sell ceramic hobs that are suitable for budgets from £125 to £. It can be helpful to think about some of the different features available and consider which ones you think you’ll want or need. If you’re still feeling unsure about your requirements after reading our guide, please ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable team who will be happy to advise you and guide you through the decision-making process.

For more information, please visit Built In Ceramic Hob Supplier.

Shop for ceramic hobs at Knees

Please browse our extensive collection of ceramic hobs from brands that you can rely on to deliver exceptional quality. The built-in ceramic hobs we sell come from highly regarded manufacturers such as Beko, Bosch, NEFF, and Zanussi and are available in a range of options.

We also have a shop based in Wiltshire where you can browse our wide selection of appliances in person if you’re close by. Whether you visit us online or in person, our friendly and expert staff will be happy to provide you with the help you need with your purchase so that you can buy with complete confidence.