How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.