Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're thinking of building a new kitchen or simply looking to upgrade your current appliance, an oven that has a hob might be the ideal solution.
Electric and gas ovens and hobs with stoves are available. Gas cookers are equipped with a set of burners (usually four) and an oven, while electric cookers come with an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob specifically?
Hobs (also known as cooker tops or cooktops) are the most important part of a stove cooks pots on. Ceramic, electric, and gas models are available. Some models even have dual fuel burners, which combine the speedy cooking time of an oven with the instant heat capability of a gas hob.
A hob is available as a stand-alone piece of equipment or as part of a kitchen integrated. When selecting a hob you must take into consideration its size, energy efficiency, and ease of operation. You'll also have to decide on which type of hob will best hob suit your cooking style. Different types offer different levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for instance are popular with those who enjoy frying and stir-frying because they're easy to use and provide instant heat. However, if you're looking for a cleaner option, induction hobs could be the right choice. They are able to heat the pan directly with electromagnets, which means they only use energy when you're cooking, and turn off immediately when the pan is removed from the hob.
If you're thinking of installing an appliance, be aware that it's essential to have a fully functioning gas pipe prior to installing one. This will ensure that your new hob is safe to use, and you won't face any issues when it's time to cook.
Hobs usually have a variety of controls, based on the model you choose. Rotating controls are commonly found on solid sealed plate and gas hobs, which allow you to control the quantity of heat you're cooking at any time. Touch controls are commonly found on ceramic and induction hobs, which give you the flexibility to select the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs are also equipped with child and safety locks, which means you can be certain that your guests and children won't accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a cook who is keen you might consider purchasing a kitchen appliance with additional features, such as a pause function or a timer. They will allow you to multitask while cooking, and also prevent your food from becoming overcooked or burning. They can also save you time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the benefits of a hob?
A hob can be a valuable addition to any kitchen, providing advantages like simplicity of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of cookware. When selecting the ideal hob, you should also be aware of other aspects like price and lifestyle compatibility.
One of the most sought-after kinds of hobs is a gas hob. They're simple to operate and offer a high degree of heat control, but they do require a gas connection which isn't available in every home. They take longer to warm up and cool off which makes them less practical for daily use.
Induction hobs are another option that provide a sleek and efficient solution. They function by creating magnetic fields around the pan, meaning that it's only the cookware that gets hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe, easy to clean, and can boil water in only seconds. However, they're more expensive than other cooktops and can only be used with pans made of metal, ideally made from cast iron or 18/10 steel. If you have a pacemaker, it's important to check that an induction cooker won't affect it as these cookwares emit magnetic fields.
A combination hob is another alternative. This is a great option for those who want the flexibility of both gas and induction but aren't willing to spend an enormous amount. You can switch between the two. For instance, you can sauté on the gas side and simmer on the induction side. This allows you to make more complex dishes and save money.
Many stoves also come with a pause function, which allows the user to turn off heating all zones at the same time. This can help prevent accidents, especially in kitchens with a lot of activity. There are also controls and child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
Most hobs come with a drip tray that is removable, or spillage well. This makes cleaning easier. The majority of surfaces can be cleaned with a few squirts. However, stains that are stubborn and marks can be removed using a hob scraper.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
A hob is a cooktop that is used to heat pots and similar cooking vessels. There are a variety of types of hob available which include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some come with features that help cook easier while others are more decorative.
Ceramic hobs, such as, are known to be stylish and easy to clean. They make use of electrical energy to heat the elements under the glass surface. This transfers heat directly to the pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy-saving since they only heat the pans, not the surface. They may take longer to cool and heat and are more prone to scratches and chips if not careful.
Another type of hob is a gas-on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs but have the added benefit that they are available in elegant, stylish glass finish. There are no flames or rings that are hot to worry about, so they are easier to clean. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive than other kinds of hobs and aren't easy to locate parts replacements for when something goes wrong.
Induction hobs are a cutting-edge and energy efficient alternative. They utilize electromagnets to create electricity, which then warms up the pan's bottom rather than the hob's surface. This makes them extremely fast to warm up and cool down, and they're also extremely safe since the heating only happens when you put the pan on the zone. However, they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more costly than other hobs.
Additionally, there are dual fuel models, which provide the best ovens of both worlds by mixing an electric oven with a gas hob. This is ideal if looking for a one-stop appliance that can bake and roast, while also heating, boiling, or frying up dishes.
How do I install an oven?
It is important to plan carefully when selecting a cooktop that can be used with an oven, especially in smaller kitchens. The cooker should be small enough to be able to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang, be sure it doesn't hinder reaching into or out of oven. A drop down door is an ideal solution to this.
Also, take into consideration the height of both your oven and the hob. If it's too low, it could be difficult to carry a hot roasting tray in and out. If you have children, it's worth thinking about the proximity of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs can be easily accessible by children, while cooktops that are freestanding tend to be higher and can also be pushed against the back splash.
The ideal hobs for you will differ based on your lifestyle, how often you cook, and whether you prefer a gas or electric hob. If you entertain guests often, a larger oven may be better suited to your requirements. Also, if you like baking or cook, an electric oven that has an oven is a good choice, as it allows you to cook and bake.
It's also important to keep in mind that your home's electrical setup must be able to handle the power of the appliance you pick. Adding a new electric cooking appliance or switching from gas to electric is costly since you'll need to upgrade your entire kitchen.
The safest way to install your new appliance is to have it hardwired by an experienced electrician. The use of an extension lead or adapter can be dangerous and damage your appliances.
Find out if the electrician is certified and accredited by a professional body like Trusted Traders. This will allow you locate a local electrician who has the appropriate experience for the job. Asking for quotes from several tradespeople is also essential, because prices can be very different. You can find reputable tradespeople in your area using the online search tool accessible on our website.