Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of hob you choose can have a significant impact on the amount of energy that you consume. There are a variety of styles to meet your cooking preferences and needs:
Plate hobs are equipped with four distinct looking rings that act like hot plates, with an electric coil under. They are quick to heat up, and they provide good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Cookers for the range
A range cooker is a self-standing oven and hob that typically includes multiple oven cavities as well as several burners, which includes typically a grill. A popular alternative to stoves and ovens that are built-in, they come in various sizes and stylish designs that match various kitchen styles.
The type of range cooker you pick will depend on your budget and your cooking preferences. Dual range cookers with fuel are preferred since they bring the best of both worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly and are easy to control, as well as efficient electric ovens.
Many range cookers come with an extra storage drawer under the hob. This is perfect for storing baking trays or roasting dishes that are out of sight. This drawer can also be a great place to store pots, pans and stoneware to free up space in your kitchen cabinets. You can also find cookers that have a sink to help you juggle food preparation whilst cooking and make cleaning up a breeze.
Look for a range cook with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven if you cater for large groups or host dinner events. This is an amazing feature that's easy to use and uses high temperatures to break down left-over food residue. The residue is then burned off on the surface, leaving light dust.
Some models have an integrated grill, which is ideal for adding a little extra crunch to oven-cooked meals. They are also great for quick snacks such as cheese on toast or crumpets.
Range cookers are often fitted with an impressive wok burner which can be a major benefit to those who appreciate Asian inspired food. You can also find cookers with separate hotplates as well as griddles to cook meat and griddling vegetables. Based on the model you select it could also come with additional features, such as an oven that can be programmed with multiple settings that include base heat only, fan assisted and even Rotisserie settings.
If you're looking for a chic and contemporary design that doesn't take up much space in your kitchen, look for a sleek stainless range cooker made of steel. They're available in a range of appealing colors so you can match it to your counters, cabinets doors, and accessories. Some range cookers have an integrated vent that can help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in a clean and fresh kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called wall oven and hob) is designed to be a part of the kitchen cabinetry or wall, giving an elegant and personalized appearance. They are usually installed at eye-level, so you can see your food preparation and avoid any accidents.
A high-quality, energy-efficient built-in oven could last 15 years or more. Their lifespan is contingent on how often they are used and how they are maintained. To ensure that your oven is running efficiently it is recommended to speak with a professional technician to perform routine inspections and maintenance.
Built-in ovens can be found in various cooking modes, including steam and convection. These modern features can take your kitchen to a higher level, making cooking easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens and integrated hobs can be combined to create the perfect kitchen layout for your home. Whether you're looking for an electric or gas hob StovesAreUs provides a broad selection of top-quality hobs that will match your kitchen layout and design.
A double integrated, or built-in dual, oven offers a lot of flexibility in your kitchen. They can be installed at eye level or under counters, and feature a full sized multifunction or fan oven beneath a smaller economy conventional oven with grilling elements. There are many double ovens available with additional storage space, such as baking trays and roasting tins, as well as catalytic liners that soak up grease, making cleaning your oven much simpler.
A modern, high-end and fashionable built-in oven can bring value to your home and make it more appealing for potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the near future. The decision to buy an appliance for your kitchen is ultimately down to personal taste budget, style, and layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you're looking for a kitchen appliance that does everything, then look no further than an all-in-one cookware. Also known as multi-cookers these multi-functional models combine the functions of a slow cooker pressure cooker, rice cooker sous vide machine, and even a food processor into one neat and tidy package.
They are ideal for making rich risottos and soups as they stir while that they heat, which helps to create the creamy texture. They can also steam vegetables or fish, and they make great healthy smoothies and yoghurt. They aren't as efficient in browning meats as slow cookers or pressure cooker.
The best all-in-one cookers have a range of settings that allow you to adapt the cooking process to your specific ingredients and cooking method. They are an excellent option for those who want to cook meals without having to be involved. The cheapest models typically come with only the basics, but there are higher-end models available that are packed full of additional features.
All-in-one cookers are typically freestanding, which means they consume more space than an oven and a hob combined. They come with two ovens with a total capacity of about 60 litres and either four or six plates or hob rings, depending on the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has gained popularity with a range of additional features. For instance, the Thermomix is a food processor that combines slow cooker functions into one. This German-made machine can chop, cook, and mix. It comes with a variety of automated programs, such as the heating of sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide. It's a great investment however, at more than $1500, it's not cheap.
Gas is the most well-known choice for people buying an all-in-one cookware. It can help them save money on their energy bills. This is because it heats up quicker than electric models which can be costly to run. Pans of all kinds will work with them and many also have a grid.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as their name suggests, use electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food. This reduces the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, which reduces energy consumption, and makes the appliances safe to use with no residual heat. They also feature a sleek, modern design that works well with contemporary kitchens.
The technology has its own drawbacks. Induction hobs aren't as clean as gas ones, and they require cookware that is compatible. The magnetic induction field emits low-frequency electromagnetic radiation within the kilohertz band which can cause harm to the human body. This radiation level can be decreased by the minimum distance of 5-10 centimeters and by ensuring the right pan is used in an area that is active for cooking.
Different manufacturers offer different kinds of induction hobs, each with different capacities. The basic model comes with four rings that can operate independently. The power levels can be adjusted by using an easy control. To select the setting you wish to use make sure you press the mark that represents which ring you want to use. Then either press the + or buttons or move your finger across the corresponding "power bar".
A lot of induction hobs have a bridging zone which allows you to join two or more rings to create a larger cooking area. This is ideal if you have larger saucepans that don't fit on individual rings. Some have a 'wok' setting that gives an additional source of heat for woks. Other hobs come with a 'freestanding' option that can be placed on a smooth, flat worktop, which will save space.
Some models have digital displays that display the current power levels of each ring. Some models come with rotary controls or dials which require you to twist and push your fingers to adjust settings. You can select from different power outputs per ring. Some hobs also have an automatic restart function which will bring the appliance to its original cooking mode.