How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. 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 many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens hobs were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
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 control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode 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 additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavours.
There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items as well as custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.