How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. Ovens & Hobs is essential to know the differences to determine the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are quick to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.