How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are
kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An
best oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric
best hob or oven.
To install an
oven with hob or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface.