How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven (moved here) and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest placing the pan "on the best hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour 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 makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat 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 heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. 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 will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or best hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the best hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.