How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or ovensandhobs roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items, and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.