Advice on ceramic hobs please - Advice

maggie48 · 08-11-2009, 22:34

I need a new electric cooker and most of them seem to have ceramic hobs. Do you have to use any particular pans etc? Are there any drawbacks with ceramic hobs? Are they any more economical than ones with solid plates?

I'd be glad of information.

Magenta01 · 08-11-2009, 22:37

The only drawback I seem to find is cleaning the darned things! Mine is a year old and the rings are stained and I'm darned if I can get it off.

maggie48 · 08-11-2009, 22:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magenta01

The only drawback I seem to find is cleaning the darned things! Mine is a year old and the rings are stained and I'm darned if I can get it off.

That's putting me off already. Thanks for the warning.

LQS · 08-11-2009, 22:47

Wouldn't get one myself. I still think gas is the best for hobs. My mum has the same problem regarding keeping her ceramic hob clean, just like the poster above mentioned. You need specialist cleaning solution and scrapers.

maggie48 · 08-11-2009, 22:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magenta01

The only drawback I seem to find is cleaning the darned things! Mine is a year old and the rings are stained and I'm darned if I can get it off.

I've found a few things online, cleaners etc. I have an old scraper from one of the door to door firms but can't get a new one from them. I use it to clean my oven door.

LQS, We had our gas pipe capped years ago after my elderly MIL kept leaving the gas on with no flame. I became worried we'd do the same thing and don't want to blow up our neighbours.

I think I'll have to look for ordinary electric cooker. Thanks you for the information.

Sigurd · 08-11-2009, 23:04

I've had a cooker with a ceramic hob for about ten years and it's still fine, though admittedly it does have a few very minor scratches. If ceramic hobs aren't properly cleaned then they can look a mess, but I don't think they're difficult to maintain. I'd have no hesitation in buying another.

Mind you, if I lived in an area with a mains gas supply, I'd probably have a gas cooker.

Any decent hardware shop should be able to provide a suitable scraper and cleaning product. In a recent thread, quite a few FMs recommended Hob Brite, and I don't think it's hard to find.

maggie48 · 08-11-2009, 23:21

If something is put down heavily, does it damage the hob? What causes the scratches?
Are the rings quicker to heat up than solid ones?

I've just looked online and there doesn't seem to be many to choose from without the ceramic hob.

Gogfumble · 08-11-2009, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQS

Wouldn't get one myself. I still think gas is the best for hobs. My mum has the same problem regarding keeping her ceramic hob clean, just like the poster above mentioned. You need specialist cleaning solution and scrapers.

I'm the same. I detest any sort of electric hob, they just don't react to adjustments quick enough. You turn gas down and it is instant.

And best thing is, once a week or so I just take all the metal stand things and the burner covers of and pop then in the dishwasher. And a bit of fairy power spray on the hob and it comes up sparkling.

maggie48 · 08-11-2009, 23:30

Gogfumble

Thanks for that. We've always had electicity but my OH says its so slow he can turn on his porridge, put on outdoor clothes and go out and buy the paper before it gets hot.

It seems that most are ceramic now, especially ones with double ovens. Everything I need to buy turns into a problem.

grumpyscot · 09-11-2009, 07:18

Our ceramic hob is over 5 years old and there isn't a mark on it. The secret is to keep it clean and not let crud build up on it. We use Mr Muscle on it every night after it cools, then once a week go over it with Hob Cleaner from Tesco.

No scratches, no hard burnt on bits - just a hob that still looks brand new.

PS - We use ordinary Tefal "lifetime pans - nothing special about them.

2shy2007 · 09-11-2009, 07:34

Ours is about 5 years old and has some very fine scratches on it, you can hardly see them, they can be difficult to clean if you dont do it very often, but wipe it over each time you use it and you should be fine.

They are nothing like solid hobs, they react quickly and it is so much cleaner than gas, no fiddly bits and pieces to take apart and scrub.

We have just ordered a new one as our oven had packed up, and although we can have gas or electric here, we plumped for another ceramic hob as they look nicer than a gas cooker.

Minky_Bum · 09-11-2009, 08:30

Don't get one. It's a faff cleaning a gas hob, but at least it gets clean. Ceramic ones get some kind of heat stain which is impossible to get off. Wish I'd replaced my hob with a gas one now.

Sigurd · 09-11-2009, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minky_Bum

Don't get one. It's a faff cleaning a gas hob, but at least it gets clean. Ceramic ones get some kind of heat stain which is impossible to get off. Wish I'd replaced my hob with a gas one now.

Not in my experience, though admittedly I've had only one ceramic hob.

Here's what Siemens says:

Quote:

How can I clean my ceramic hob?

Ceramic hobs should be cleaned after use with a damp cloth while still warm. We recommend the use of Cera-Fix from our Spares Department to clean and protect the surface of the hob, or one of the other specialist cleaning products available. Cleaning should be carried out using a clean damp soapy cloth. If you use a protective product after cleaning, the shiny dust-repellent surface will make cleaning easier the next time around.

To remove stubborn stains or food deposits use a glass scraper. These can also be used in order to get rid of easily-removable dirt deposits when cooking plates are still warm. Remember that the blade should be sharp and replace worn blades. Do not run the blade along the edge of the cooking hob.

http://www.siemenscustomerservice.co...ens_43984.html

If that makes cleaning sound simple, then that's only because it is — again, in my experience anyway.

the chimp · 09-11-2009, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggie48

I've found a few things online, cleaners etc. I have an old scraper from one of the door to door firms but can't get a new one from them. I use it to clean my oven door.

LQS, We had our gas pipe capped years ago after my elderly MIL kept leaving the gas on with no flame. I became worried we'd do the same thing and don't want to blow up our neighbours.

I think I'll have to look for ordinary electric cooker. Thanks you for the information.

Plenty of "ffd" cookers available now where its impossible to leave the gas on with no flame.

LQS · 09-11-2009, 09:57

..... I honestly believe gas is best for controllability and for getting clean, but from a safety perspective I suppose ceramic (or even better induction) is better. I have amongst other things set on fire :
1. My hair
2. A box full of La Senza lingerie ( long story )
3. A fire resistant silicon oven glove
4. A few tea towels.

Minky_Bum · 09-11-2009, 13:16

at LQS.

I sound really lazy. I do clean my hob every night but that's usually after we've got the baby to bed so there's a bit of a gap between use and cleaning.

dmp · 09-11-2009, 15:10

We've had our hob for over 20 years and it's still going strong and looking like new. We always buy pans that are ceramic hob safe as I believe the heat is somehow different form solid hobs or gas rings. Use a proper hob cleaner and it will stay like new.
Dave

maggie48 · 09-11-2009, 17:54

I'm very grateful for all of the comments and information. It gives me more idea when looking. I'm very glad I asked.

sunshinegirl · 09-11-2009, 20:55

I find my ceramic hob is quite easy to clean as long as you clean it each time it is used.

I just wipe it over with soapy water then use a quick squirt of Hob-brite (Tesco sell it) rinse off and then polish up with a paper towel. - It only takes a couple of minutes and is much easier than cleaning gas rings in my opinion.

The odd time that something has burnt on badly (like when my son put a plastic carrier bag full of shopping down on a hot hob)

I used one of those razor blade scraper things that you get for scraping paint off windows and it came of easily.

Bedsit Bob · 09-11-2009, 21:07

They're expensive, but induction hobs are the business.

There's never any burnt on food to clean off, and they're very economical to run.

the chimp · 09-11-2009, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bedsit Bob

They're expensive, but induction hobs are the business.

There's never any burnt on food to clean off, and they're very economical to run.

They are also not too reliable.

ladydragon · 10-11-2009, 01:26

Electric oven with gas hob here... My preferred combo as I just find the fan oven has a less 'spot' heat than with gas and I much prefer the more reactive gas hobs... I've personally found them to be cleaner...

Although I have a number of portable induction hobs which are the bees knees... Originally they were for work but I love them so much I ended up with a few extra so I could use them for food too... Having used them day in day out for a couple of years I'll definitely be looking to upgrade to an induction hob when the current cooker keels over... They're not hot to touch after use, have been covered with wax, soap, butters, oils, emulsifiers, colourants and goodness knows what else but they clean up like new in a jiffy...

08-11-2009, 22:34	#1
maggie48 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 501	Advice on ceramic hobs please I need a new electric cooker and most of them seem to have ceramic hobs. Do you have to use any particular pans etc? Are there any drawbacks with ceramic hobs? Are they any more economical than ones with solid plates? I'd be glad of information.

08-11-2009, 22:37	#2
Magenta01 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: West Sussex Posts: 913	The only drawback I seem to find is cleaning the darned things! Mine is a year old and the rings are stained and I'm darned if I can get it off.

08-11-2009, 22:47	#4
LQS Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Services: Sky, AOL, Samsung Omnia - to get internet on the move ! Posts: 3,477	Wouldn't get one myself. I still think gas is the best for hobs. My mum has the same problem regarding keeping her ceramic hob clean, just like the poster above mentioned. You need specialist cleaning solution and scrapers.

08-11-2009, 23:04	#6
Sigurd Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Galloway ♂ Posts: 13,317	I've had a cooker with a ceramic hob for about ten years and it's still fine, though admittedly it does have a few very minor scratches. If ceramic hobs aren't properly cleaned then they can look a mess, but I don't think they're difficult to maintain. I'd have no hesitation in buying another. Mind you, if I lived in an area with a mains gas supply, I'd probably have a gas cooker. Any decent hardware shop should be able to provide a suitable scraper and cleaning product. In a recent thread, quite a few FMs recommended Hob Brite, and I don't think it's hard to find.

08-11-2009, 23:21	#7
maggie48 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 501	If something is put down heavily, does it damage the hob? What causes the scratches? Are the rings quicker to heat up than solid ones? I've just looked online and there doesn't seem to be many to choose from without the ceramic hob.

08-11-2009, 23:30	#9
maggie48 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 501	Gogfumble Thanks for that. We've always had electicity but my OH says its so slow he can turn on his porridge, put on outdoor clothes and go out and buy the paper before it gets hot. It seems that most are ceramic now, especially ones with double ovens. Everything I need to buy turns into a problem.

09-11-2009, 07:18	#10
grumpyscot Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Edinburgh Posts: 1,155	Our ceramic hob is over 5 years old and there isn't a mark on it. The secret is to keep it clean and not let crud build up on it. We use Mr Muscle on it every night after it cools, then once a week go over it with Hob Cleaner from Tesco. No scratches, no hard burnt on bits - just a hob that still looks brand new. PS - We use ordinary Tefal "lifetime pans - nothing special about them.

09-11-2009, 07:34	#11
2shy2007 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 3,797	Ours is about 5 years old and has some very fine scratches on it, you can hardly see them, they can be difficult to clean if you dont do it very often, but wipe it over each time you use it and you should be fine. They are nothing like solid hobs, they react quickly and it is so much cleaner than gas, no fiddly bits and pieces to take apart and scrub. We have just ordered a new one as our oven had packed up, and although we can have gas or electric here, we plumped for another ceramic hob as they look nicer than a gas cooker.

09-11-2009, 08:30	#12
Minky_Bum Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,260	Don't get one. It's a faff cleaning a gas hob, but at least it gets clean. Ceramic ones get some kind of heat stain which is impossible to get off. Wish I'd replaced my hob with a gas one now.

09-11-2009, 09:57	#15
LQS Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Services: Sky, AOL, Samsung Omnia - to get internet on the move ! Posts: 3,477	..... I honestly believe gas is best for controllability and for getting clean, but from a safety perspective I suppose ceramic (or even better induction) is better. I have amongst other things set on fire : 1. My hair 2. A box full of La Senza lingerie ( long story ) 3. A fire resistant silicon oven glove 4. A few tea towels.

09-11-2009, 13:16	#16
Minky_Bum Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,260	at LQS. I sound really lazy. I do clean my hob every night but that's usually after we've got the baby to bed so there's a bit of a gap between use and cleaning.

09-11-2009, 15:10	#17
dmp Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,048	We've had our hob for over 20 years and it's still going strong and looking like new. We always buy pans that are ceramic hob safe as I believe the heat is somehow different form solid hobs or gas rings. Use a proper hob cleaner and it will stay like new. Dave

09-11-2009, 17:54	#18
maggie48 Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 501	I'm very grateful for all of the comments and information. It gives me more idea when looking. I'm very glad I asked.

09-11-2009, 20:55	#19
sunshinegirl Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 559	I find my ceramic hob is quite easy to clean as long as you clean it each time it is used. I just wipe it over with soapy water then use a quick squirt of Hob-brite (Tesco sell it) rinse off and then polish up with a paper towel. - It only takes a couple of minutes and is much easier than cleaning gas rings in my opinion. The odd time that something has burnt on badly (like when my son put a plastic carrier bag full of shopping down on a hot hob) I used one of those razor blade scraper things that you get for scraping paint off windows and it came of easily.

09-11-2009, 21:07	#20
Bedsit Bob Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North West Services: 3 Mobile Dongle. Posts: 1,587	They're expensive, but induction hobs are the business. There's never any burnt on food to clean off, and they're very economical to run.

10-11-2009, 01:26	#22
ladydragon Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: God's Country Posts: 2,676	Electric oven with gas hob here... My preferred combo as I just find the fan oven has a less 'spot' heat than with gas and I much prefer the more reactive gas hobs... I've personally found them to be cleaner... Although I have a number of portable induction hobs which are the bees knees... Originally they were for work but I love them so much I ended up with a few extra so I could use them for food too... Having used them day in day out for a couple of years I'll definitely be looking to upgrade to an induction hob when the current cooker keels over... They're not hot to touch after use, have been covered with wax, soap, butters, oils, emulsifiers, colourants and goodness knows what else but they clean up like new in a jiffy...