How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically 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.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats 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, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which one is best hob suited to your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and ovens, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven hob, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.