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 dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on 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, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode 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 more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best ovens and hobs one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of best oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide 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, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern design that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with the 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 (learn more about Mystrikingly), it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.