How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. 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 cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked items and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult 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 cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. special info is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.