How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it 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, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. 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 distinctions to decide the best one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavor.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.