How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also 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 they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional 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 the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavor.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in most kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get 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.