Hobs and Hoods |
||
Electric Hobs Most consumers tend to buy the same make of hob as their oven, this is because electric hobs are so similar. Also electric hobs are usually very reliable and on average have a long life span. There are two main types of hob, sealed plate (these are the solid metal plates) or ceramic glass. Sealed plate hobs are normally very cheap to buy, but they are quite expensive to run. This is because they are very slow to reach cooking temperature, this also means they are very poor to control. If something is starting to boil over, you have to remove the saucepan from the heat because it takes so long to cool down. Less and less people choose sealed plate hobs, this is also because the cost of ceramic has reduced over the last 5 years.There are different types of ceramic hob to choose from, with halogen, touch control, induction and sensor. The most popular choice is a standard ceramic hob with control knobs, however with the price of touch control models reducing more and more consumers are choosing these. The main benefit of choosing touch control is the easy clean factor. As most touch control hobs are frame less or border less, there are no grease traps just a flat sheet of toughened glass. The cost of induction and sensor hobs are still quite prohibitive and are usually priced above the £500.00 mark. There are obvious safety advantages to using induction or sensor hobs, but not every consumer can afford to spend such a large amount on a hob. Gas Hobs As with electric hobs, most consumers tend to buy the same make of hob as their oven, this is because gas hobs are so similar. Also gas hobs are usually very reliable and on average have a long life span. Thankfully choosing a gas hob is quite simple as there are not many choices to make. It is more about the size and number of burners, than actual differences like there are with electric hobs. Having said this more and more consumers are purchasing gas on glass type hobs these days, this is because of their sleek looks and easier cleaning. Consequently more manufacturers are producing them to satisfy demand. IMPORTANT Corgi have issued new regulations to its members that from 1st January 2008 all gas cooking appliances for use in flats and other multi-dwelling buildings cannot be installed unless they contain Flame Supervision Devices. What is a Flame Supervision Device.?A Flame supervision device is part of the gas burner system and detects if the flame is extinguished and cuts off the gas supply. What type of properties does it affect?The description from Corgi states Flats and Multi-Dwelling buildings. This includes buildings that include a number of individual dwellings for domestic purposes only together with dual-purpose properties such as flats above shops and offices. It does not include properties that are for commercial use only or detached, semi detached, terraced houses and houses with loft conversions. What happens if a Corgi engineer identifies a gas cooking appliances installed in a flat or multi-dwelling building withouta suitable flame supervision device that was installed prior to 1st January 2008?The appliance will be classified by the engineer as "Not to Current Standards". This does not mean that the product needs to be changed immediately but is to advise the consumer that when when they come to change their appliance that they need to buy a model with a Flame Supervision Device. Does this apply to dual fuel models?Yes. It applies to anything that has a gas hob or oven Does this apply to built in gas ovens?Yes When deciding the number of burners, one thing which is often over looked is the space required above the hob to satisfy the corgi (body of registered gas installers) regulations. We often hear from customers who purchase 5 and 6 burner extra wide hobs, but only have a standard 60cm extractor above with cupboards each side. This is a fire hazard and does not meet the corgi requirements, so make sure that you have the correct clearance above the hob.Another feature which has become fashionable in the last few years are cast iron pan stands. There are two types, gloss or matt, the gloss are more practical as you can normally place them in a dishwasher (we think they look better too). Other features which are popular include sit on griddles, wok burners (make sure you get a wok ring for the pan to sit on) and fish kettle burners. The good news with a gas hob today is that they are cheap to buy, cheap to run, and there are loads of great styles to choose from. Extractor Hoods Virtually all hoods can be vented to the outside or be recirculating. If you are venting remember that the kits are not normally supplied with the hood. If you have access to an outside wall from where your hood is located, there is no question that a vented hood is the best. It may cost more for the fitting but once it is done you will reep the benefits. If you have no access to an outside wall and smells from your cooking are a problem, you might consider adding a carbon or charcoal filter. Again these are not supplied with the hood and can be quite expensive, so it might pay to check before you buy. Carbon/charcoal filters soak up fat and nasty smells and can make a big difference to the quality of air in your kitchen. How often you replace them is dependant on how often you cook, but as a rough guide every 6 months seems average. All hoods have a more basic filter at the bottom where the air enters hood, this is either metal or acrylic. If you have an acrylic type, these are supplied with the hood and will need replacing regularly. There are universal kits which you cut to size available in most DIY shops at a cheap price. If you have a metal filter, these are best as they are normally washable in the dishwasher (but do check the makers instructions). Carbon filters and vent kits can be expensive, check out your local DIY shops as they often supply universal kits at up to a third of the cost. There are many types of cooker hood on the market, so we have listed each one below.Standard hood: This is the cheapest type of hood, it is fixed to the wall, and is about four inches high, usually with a flip out glass visor on the front. As with all hoods, a standard hood can be ducted or re circulatingChimney Hood and Island Hoods: These are probably the most fashionable type of extractor at present, and there are a huge amount to choose from. As the name describes a chimney hood looks just like a chimney coming down from the ceiling. Again all chimney hoods can be ducted or re circulating, although the ducting is a flexible or rigid hose which is purchased separately and hidden inside the trunking of the hood. With a chimney you can spend as much as a £1000.00 if you want to buy the best available. Fortunately there are also lots of really great hoods for under £200.00 to choose For most people a basic chimney will have more than enough extraction power to cope with their needs, but for people who really use the kitchen to its full potential the extraction rate should be considered. As an example if you cook a lot of spicy dishes or fish, the last thing you need is for that smell to be circulating around your house as it can linger for days! So always check the rating for any extractor and if possible compare it to the one you are using at present so you have some idea of what to expect. |
||
 |
||