How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective 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 gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on 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 methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, 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 that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. 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 may be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established then the oven and the 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 test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.