How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally 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 many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
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 make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.
There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked products as well as custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but 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 safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.