How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was 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 invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine the best one for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Ovens And Hobs have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.