We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 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.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables, baked items and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in 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 kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
