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 the dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. 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 like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some best ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven hob, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Picking the one that best oven suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of 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 planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option 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.