Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of hob you choose will have a major impact on the amount of energy you consume. There are a variety of models to meet your cooking needs and preferences:
Plate hobs are four rings that appear like hot plates but contain an electric coil beneath. They are quick to heat up, and they provide good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is a self-standing oven and a hob that usually has multiple oven cavities and various burners, including usually a grill. A popular alternative to built-in ovens and stoves They come in various sizes and sleek designs that fit different kitchen designs.
Typically, available in gas or electric and electric versions, the one you select will be based on your cooking requirements and budget. In general dual fuel range cookers are the most popular as they offer the best hob of both worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly and are simple to control alongside efficient electric ovens with more features and settings.
Many range cookers also feature an easy storage draw beneath the hob uk, which is ideal for keeping baking tray and roasting dishes away from view. This drawer can also be an ideal spot to store pans, pots and stoneware, allowing you to make space in your kitchen cabinets. There are also cookers with an integral sink to help you juggle food preparation while cooking, and make cleaning up a breeze.
If you're catering for large numbers or host dinner parties, check for a range cooktop equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven. This is an amazing feature that's easy to use and makes use of high temperatures to break down any leftover food residue. The residue is then burned off at the surface, leaving light dust.
Some models come with a handy integrated grill that's perfect for spicing up oven cooked meals and adding the extra crunch. They're also great for quick snacks such as cheese on toast and crumpets.
The majority of range cookers come with an efficient wok burner, which is a major benefit to those who appreciate Asian inspired food. You can find cookers that have separate hotplates for searing meat or griddling vegetables. Depending on the model you choose, it may also have additional features like a programmable oven with multifunction settings including base heat only, fan assisted and even the rotisserie setting.
If you're looking for a chic and contemporary design that doesn't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, look for an elegant stainless range cooker made of steel. You can choose from a variety of colors to match the cabinet doors, countertops and other kitchen accessories. Certain range cookers come with built-in vents that help remove cooking odours and create fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called a wall oven) is designed to be a part of your kitchen cabinetry or wall, giving a seamless and customized appearance. They are typically installed at eye-level, so that you can watch your food and avoid accidents.
A high-quality, energy efficient built-in oven can last up to 15 years or more. Their lifespan is contingent on how often they are used and how they are maintained. It's recommended to consult with an experienced technician for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that your oven is working as efficiently as it can.
In addition to providing a sleek, modern aesthetic, built-in ovens come with a range of cooking functions, ranging from steam to convection. These advanced features can take your kitchen to a higher level, making your cooking more efficient and practical.
Built-in ovens can be paired with a hob that is integrated to create the perfect kitchen layout for your home. StovesAreUs has a wide range of high-end hobs that match your kitchen's style and layout, no matter if you're looking for an electric or gas hob.
A double-integrated oven, also known as a built-in dual oven, provides a wide range of options for your kitchen. They can be placed in a counter-top or eye level counters, and they have a large multi-function or fan oven beneath a smaller economy conventional oven with grill elements. Many double ovens are available with additional storage space such as baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic liners that soak up grease, making cleaning your oven much easier.
Having a high-quality, modern and stylish built-in oven can add significant value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the future. However the decision to invest in a new kitchen appliance ultimately is based on your personal preferences and budget as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
All-in-one cookware is the perfect solution for those who want to have a single kitchen appliance that can handle all. Also known as multi-cookers these models can combine the functions of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker air fryer, sous vide equipment, and even food processor in one neat and tidy package.
They are ideal for making rich risottos and soups as they stir at the same time that they heat, which helps to create the creamy texture. They can also steam veggies or fish, and make great healthy smoothies and yogurt. But, they're not suitable for cooking meats, such as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers come with a variety of settings that allow you to alter the cooking process according to your ingredients and method. They are a good option for those who like cooking meals without the hassle of having to cook. The cheapest models will typically include only the basics, but there are more expensive models available that are packed full of extras.
All-in-one cookers are typically freestanding, which means they consume more space than an oven and hob if they are combined. They come with two ovens with a total capacity of around 60 litres and either four or six hob rings or plates, depending on the model.
A new generation of all-in-one cookware has taken the market by storm, offering a wide range of additional functionality. Thermomix, for example, incorporates the functions of a food processor and a slow cooker into one. This German-made appliance can chop and cook as well as mix. It has a number of automatic programs including making frostings from sugar and cooking sous vide. It's a good investment, but at more than $1500, it isn't cheap.
The majority of people who buy an all-in-one cooker prefer a gas model since it can reduce energy costs. This is because it is more efficient in heating than electric models that can be expensive to run. Pans of all kinds will be compatible with them and a lot also have the option of a grill.
Hobs with induction
As the name implies Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware, and then directly cook food directly. This reduces energy use and the amount of heat transferred to the cooking surface. They also are sleek and modern in look that integrates well into contemporary kitchens.
The technology has its own drawbacks. Induction hobs aren't as clean as gas ones, and they require compatible cookware. The magnetic field emits low-level electromagnetic radiation in the kilohertz spectrum that could cause harm to the human body. This radiation level can be decreased by a minimum distance of five to ten centimetres and by making sure that only the appropriate pan is placed on a cooking area that is active.
Different manufacturers offer different types of induction hobs, each with different capacities. The basic model comes with four rings that can each be operated independently. The power levels can be adjusted by using an easy control. To select the setting you want simply tap the mark that indicates the ring you wish to use. Then either tap the + and - buttons or move your finger over the appropriate "power bar".
Induction hobs oven typically have a bridging area that allows you to connect two or more rings to create an even larger cooking surface. This is a great solution when your larger pans aren't able to fit onto individual rings. Some have a 'wok' setting that gives additional heating power for woks. Other hobs offer a free-standing option that can be set on a smooth, flat worktop to save space.
Some models feature a digital display which shows the current power level of each ring, while others feature the option of a dial or rotary control which requires you to twist and move your fingers to adjust the settings. You can select from different power outputs for each ring. Some hobs also have an automatic restart feature that will return the appliance back to its previous cooking setting.