How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. the full details are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, best hobs do not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.