How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard 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 over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks 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 for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked 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 features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern appearance that looks sleek and match 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 not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of 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 will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an 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.