How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain 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 stove that food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous 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 that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. 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 handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, 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 services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.