How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens and hobs were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs oven are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are placed beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven And hob (111.35.141.5) can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.