How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also Recommended Reading -assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine the best one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavor.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Then a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.