How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with 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 based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs 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 are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. oven with hob include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step 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 and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.