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 and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized 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, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. 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 electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.