How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.
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 as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. 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 choices that regulate 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 simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring 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 your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.