How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven with hob functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavors.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods and even custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens and hobs with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob and oven is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best ovens to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.