How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best oven for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs oven come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
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 correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.