How to Choose hobs and ovens and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with 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 had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.