Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to upgrade or build a new kitchen, an oven and hob may be the best solution.
Electric and gas ovens that have stoves are available. Gas cookers are equipped with a set of burners (usually 4) and an oven, whereas electric cookers have an oven and a hob surface.
What is a hob, precisely?
The main part of the stove is the hob (also known as cooker top or cooktop). This is the area where you cook your pots. They are available in gas, electric, and ceramic versions. Some models come with dual fuel burners, which combine the fast cooking times of an electric oven with the instant heat of gas stoves.
A hob can be used as a separate appliance, or as part of an integrated kitchen. When choosing a hob you must be aware of its dimensions as well as its energy efficiency and its ease of operation. You'll also need to consider the kind of hob that best suits your cooking style, as different types offer various levels of performance.
For instance gas hobs are popular for those who love to fry and stir-fry because they're quick to heat up and are easy to control. If you're looking for a cleaner option, then induction hobs might be the way to go. They heat the pan by using electromagnets. This means that they only require electricity when you are actually cooking. They also shut off automatically after the pan is removed.
If you're planning to install an appliance, be aware of the need to have a fully functioning gas pipe before you install one. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use and you won't run into any problems when it comes to cooking.
The type of hob you pick will determine the control options that are available. Rotating controls are commonly found on gas and solid sealed plate hobs, allowing you to alter the quantity of heat you're cooking at any given moment. Touch controls are commonly found on ceramic and induction hobs, which give you the option of selecting your preferred setting using your fingertips. Some hobs come with child safety locks to ensure that children and guests are not able to accidentally alter the settings.
If you're a keen chef, it could be worthwhile to invest in a feature that isn't included such as a timer, or pause function. These can make it easier to multitask while cooking and help you avoid burning or overcooking your food. You can also cut down on time and effort by making your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of hobs?
A hob is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It comes with many advantages such as the ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with different kinds of cookware. It is important to consider these benefits against other aspects such as the cost and the lifestyle compatibility when choosing the right hob for your home.
Gas hobs are one of the most common types of hobs. They are easy to operate and offer a high degree of heat control, but they do require a gas line, which isn't available in all homes. They take longer to heat up and cool off, making them less convenient for everyday use.
Induction hobs offer another alternative for a sleek, efficient solution. They function by creating magnetic fields around the pan, which means it's only the cookware that gets hot and not the surface of the hob. They are safe, easy to clean and can boil water in seconds. However, they're more expensive than other hobs and are only compatible with metal pans, which should be made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. If you're a patient of a pacemaker, it's important to check that an induction cooker will not affect it since these cookwares emit magnetic fields.
A combination hob is another option. This is a great option for those who are seeking the flexibility of induction and gas but don't need to spend much. You can switch between the two. For example you can sauté on the gas side, and simmer on the induction side. This allows you to make more complex dishes and save money.
A lot of hobs come with a pause function, which allows the user to stop heating all zones at the same time. This helps avoid accidents, especially in kitchens that are busy. There are also control and child locks that prevent children from accidentally changing the settings.
A lot of hobs come with a drip tray that can be removed or spillage well that makes cleaning much easier. A few squirts of kitchen cleaner is enough to keep the surfaces sparkling, however the most stubborn stains and marks are often removed using a hob scraper that is designed specifically for use.
What is the difference between a stove and an oven?
A hob is used to cook pots and other cooking vessels. There are various types of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction. Some have special features designed to facilitate cooking and others are more aesthetically pleasing and are utilized as a design feature.
For example, ceramic hobs are renowned for being both elegant and fashionable, as well being easy to clean. They work by using electrical energy to heat elements underneath the glass surface, which then transmits the heat directly to your pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy efficient, as they only heat the pans, not the surface. They may take longer to cool and heat and are more vulnerable to scratches and chips when not taken care of.
Another kind of hob is a gas-on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs, but they have the added benefit that they come with elegant, sleek glass finish. There aren't flames or hot burner rings to worry about, and they're easier to clean. They're more expensive, and it can be difficult to find replacement parts if they break.
Induction hobs are a modern and energy-efficient option. They use electromagnets to generate electricity, which warms the bottom of your pans rather than the hob's surface. They are extremely quick to warm up and cool down and are also safe since they only heat up when you place a pan in the zone. They are only compatible with certain pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more expensive than other types of hobs.
There are also dual-fuel models that combine an electric oven and a gas stove to offer the best of both. This is ideal if you're looking for an all-in-one appliance that bakes and roast while also heating, boiling, or frying up dishes.
How do I install hobs?
Selecting a oven and hob that work well together, particularly in a kitchen with a small space requires careful planning. The cooker should be low enough to fit beneath the hob. If there's an overhang, ensure that it's not obstructed by getting in and out of the oven. This can be resolved by using a drop-down door.
Also, think about the height of your oven and hob. If they're too low, it may be difficult to take hot roasting tray into and out. If you also have children, it's worth thinking about the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in hobs are in easy reach of children, while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and can be moved back to the back splash to provide security.
The best hob for you will depend on your lifestyle, the frequency of cooking and if you prefer a gas or an electric hob. For instance, if you frequently host guests, then an oven with a bigger capacity could be better to suit your requirements. If you also love baking, then an electric oven that has an oven is a good option as it allows you to simultaneously cook and bake.
It's also important to keep in mind that your household electrical setup must be able to cope with the power of the appliance you pick. It can be costly to install a new electric appliance or switch from gas to electricity. You'll need to upgrade the wiring in your kitchen.
Having your new appliance hardwired by an electrician is the safest option. Utilizing an extension or adapter can be dangerous and damage your appliance.
Make sure the electrician is certified and certified by a reputable body like Trusted Traders. This will allow you to find an electrician in your area who has the right experience to do the job. Requesting quotes from multiple tradespeople is also important, as prices can vary greatly. You can locate reputable tradespeople in your area using the online search tool accessible on our website.