How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes 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 were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. hobs oven are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as 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 and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.