How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models 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 enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if 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 based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and ovensandhobs is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.