Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're planning to build the construction of a new kitchen, or wanting to upgrade your existing appliance, an oven with hob is a great solution.
Hob-equipped ovens are available as electric and gas cookers. Gas cookers are equipped with four burners (usually 4) and an oven, whereas electric cookers include an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob?
The main part of the stove is the hob (also known as a cooker top or cooktop). This is the area where you cook your pots. They're available in gas, electric and ceramic varieties. Some models feature dual fuel burners that combine the quick cooking times of an electric oven with the instant heat power of a gas stove.
A hob can be used as a separate piece of equipment or as part of a kitchen integrated. When selecting a kitchen appliance you must take into consideration its dimensions, energy efficiency, and ease of operation. You'll also have to think about which type of hob best suits your cooking preferences and cooking style, since different types provide different levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for example, are popular among people who like stir-frying and cooking because they are simple to use and offer instant heat. Induction hobs are the best hobs uk option for those who want to keep your kitchen as clean as possible. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets. They only require energy when you're cooking, and then shut off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
You must have a gas line in place before you install a new hob. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use and you won't have any issues when it's time to cook.
The type of hob you choose will determine which controls are available. On gas and solid sealed plate hobs you can adjust the heat using the rotary controls. Touch controls are generally found on induction or ceramic hobs. They allow you to select the desired setting at your fingertips. Some hobs also come with child and safety locks, which means you can be sure your guests and children don't unintentionally change the settings.
If you're a keen chef, it could be worth investing in a further feature such as a timer, or pause function. They will allow you to multitask while cooking and keep your food from becoming overcooked or burning. They can also save time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of a hob?
A hob is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It has many advantages, including the ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with different types of cookware. However, it's important to consider these benefits against other factors like cost and lifestyle compatibility when selecting the best hob for your home.
Gas hobs are one of the most common kinds of hobs. They're easy to operate and offer the highest quality of heat control but they do require a gas connection which is not available in all homes. They take longer to warm up and cool down and are therefore less suitable for everyday use.
Induction hobs are another option to offer a sleek and efficient solution. They function by creating magnetic fields around the pan, meaning that it's only the cookware that gets hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe and easy to clean, and can boil water in only seconds. However, they are more expensive than other types of hobs and can only be used with pans made of metal, ideally made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. If you have pacemaker, it's essential to check that an induction cooktop won't affect it as these types of cookware emit a magnetic field.
A combination hob is another alternative. This is a great choice for those who want to have the versatility of both gas and induction but don't want to spend an enormous amount. You can switch between both. For example, you can sauté on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This lets you create more complicated dishes and save money.
Other features that can be found on numerous hobs include a pause feature, which allows you to stop the heating of all active zones at once, helping to prevent accidents in kitchens with a lot of activity. There are also control and child locks that stop children from accidentally changing the settings.
Most hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage tray. This makes cleaning easier. The majority of surfaces can be cleaned with just a few squirts. However, tough stains and marks can be removed with a hob scraper.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
A cooktop is a hob used to heat pans and similar cooking vessels. There are various types of hobs, including electric, gas and induction. Some of them have features that make cooking easier, while others are purely decorative.
Ceramic hobs, like, are known to be elegant and easy to clean. They use electricity to heat elements under the glass surface, which then transfers the heat directly to your pans. They are extremely energy efficient and efficient, as they only heat your pans. However, they may take a bit longer to cool down and heat down, and could be more prone to scratches and chips when you're not careful.
Another type of hob is a gas-on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs, but they offer the added benefit that they come in a sleek, sophisticated glass finish. There aren't hot burner rings or flames to worry about, which means they're less difficult to clean. They're more expensive and it can be difficult to find replacement parts if they fail.
Induction hobs are a cutting-edge and energy efficient alternative. They use electromagnets to generate electricity, which warms the pan's bottom rather than the hob's surface. They are very fast to heat up and cool down and are also safe as they only heat up when you place a pan over the zone. They're only compatible with certain pans (usually cast iron or steel) and are more expensive than other kinds of hobs.
There are dual-fuel models that incorporate an electric oven with gas stove to provide the best hob of both. This is ideal if you're looking for an all-in-one appliance that bakes and roast while also boiling, frying or warming up meals.
How do I install an oven?
Choosing a hob and oven that work well together, particularly in a kitchen with a small space requires careful planning. The cooker should be small enough to fit beneath the hob. If there's an overhang, ensure that it doesn't hinder reaching in and out of the oven. A drop-down door is an ideal solution to this.
Also, consider the height of your cooktop and oven. If they're too low, it could be difficult to carry a hot roasting tray into and out. If you also have children, think about the proximity of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are within easy reach of children, while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and can be moved back to the back splash for added safety.
The ideal hob for you will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking, and whether you prefer a gas or electric hob. If you host guests frequently, a larger oven may be more appropriate for your needs. If you love baking and cooking, an electric oven that has an oven is a good option. It lets you bake and cook at the same time.
It is also important to consider that the electrical system in your home must be able handle the power of the appliance you choose. The addition of a new electric cooker or switching from gas to electric, could be costly as you'll need to rewire your entire kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the best option. The use of an adapter or extension lead is dangerous and could damage your appliances.
When choosing an electrician, check if they are qualified and certified by a professional body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you to find a local electrician with the right experience for the job. Asking for quotes from multiple tradespeople is also important, as prices can vary greatly. You can locate reputable tradespeople in your area by using the online search tool accessible on our website.