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 a range of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate
hobs and ovens are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed 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 secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
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 function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the
oven with hob is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the
oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction.
Induction Hob hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.
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 that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place.