Types of Ovens and Hobs
The type of hob you select will have a major impact on the amount of energy that you consume. There are a variety of types to suit your cooking preferences and needs:
Plate hobs are four rings that look like hot plates but contain an electric coil under. They heat up quickly and offer good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is a self-standing oven and hob that typically comes with multiple oven cavities and a selection of burners including usually a grill. A popular alternative to built-in ovens and stoves, they come in a variety of sizes and sleek designs that fit various kitchen designs.
Typically available in gas or electric, the type you choose will depend on your cooking preferences and budget. Dual range cookers with fuel tend to be preferred because they combine the best of both worlds: gas hobs which are quick to heat up and are easy to control, as well as efficient electric ovens.
A lot of range cookers have a storage drawer below the hob. This is perfect for storing baking trays or roasting dishes out-of-sight. The drawer is also an ideal place to store pans, pots and stoneware, allowing you to make space in your kitchen cabinets. You can find cookers with an integrated sink, which can help you cook your food and also make cleaning easier.
Find a range cook equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic cooktop if you cater for large numbers or host dinner events. This is a fantastic feature that's easy to use and utilizes high temperatures to break down leftover food debris. It then burns off on the surface to leave a light ash which can be easily cleaned off.
Some models also include a handy integrated grill that is perfect for spicing up oven cooked meals and adding the extra crunch. They are excellent to make quick snacks like cheese on toast and crumpets.
Cookers of the range are usually equipped with an impressive wok burner which is a major benefit for those who enjoy Asian inspired cuisine. There are cookers with separate hotplates to cook meat or grilling vegetables. Depending on the model you choose, it may also have additional features like an oven that can be programmed with multiple settings including base heating only, fan assisted and even Rotisserie settings.
If you're looking for a chic and contemporary design that doesn't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, look for a sleek stainless range cooker made of stainless steel. They are available in a variety of eye-catching colours to match to your counters, cabinets doors, and accessories. Certain range cookers come with an integrated vent that helps remove cooking odours, creating a fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also known as a wall oven) is designed to be a part of your kitchen cabinetry or wall, resulting in a seamless and unique appearance. They are often installed at eye level so you can keep an eye on your food items and avoid burns and other accidents.
A high-quality built-in oven that is energy efficient can last for 15 years or more. However, their lifespan will vary greatly depending on the amount of use they receive and the frequency of maintenance and care. To ensure that your oven is running efficiently it is recommended to speak with an expert technician for regular inspections and maintenance.
Alongside offering a modern, sleek aesthetic, built-in ovens come with a variety of cooking functions, ranging from convection to steam. These modern features can take your kitchen to the next level, making your cooking a lot easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens and integrated stoves can be combined to create the ideal kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs stocks a wide selection of premium hob s that suit your kitchen design and layout, regardless of whether you're searching for gas or electric hobs.
A double integrated or built-in dual oven offers a lot of flexibility in the kitchen. They can be placed at eye level or under counters, and they come with a large multi-function or fan oven below an economy conventional oven with grilling elements. Many double ovens come with extra storage such as roasting tins and baking trays or catalytic lines which help to absorb grease, making it easier to clean.
A high-quality, stylish and modern built-in range can bring value to your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell. However the decision to invest in the latest kitchen appliance comes down to your personal preferences and budget, as well as the layout of your kitchen.
All-in-one cookers
If you are looking for an appliance for your kitchen that can do everything, then you should consider an all-in-one cookware. Also known as multi-cookers these models can combine the functions of a slow cooker rice cooker, pressure cooker sous vide equipment, and even a food processor into one neat and tidy package.
They are ideal for making rich soups and risottos since they stir while that they heat, helping to create the creamy texture. They can also be used to steam vegetables or fish. They are also excellent to make healthy yoghurt and smoothies. But, they're not suitable for cooking meats, such as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers offer a variety of settings which permit you to modify the cooking process to suit the ingredients you use and the method you prefer. This makes them a good choice for anyone who likes to cook more hands-off meals. The most affordable models are typically equipped with basic features however, there are more expensive models with lots of extras.
All-in-one cookware is usually an appliance that is freestanding, which means they take up more room than a combination of an oven and a hob. They come with two ovens with a total capacity of about 60 litres and either six or four hob rings or plates, according to the model.
A new generation of all-in-one cookers has taken the market by storm and offers a variety of additional features. For instance the Thermomix is a food processor that combines slow cooker functions into one. This German-made appliance is able to chop, cook and make kneads and has a range of automated programs, such as heating sugar for frostings and cooking sous vide as well as emulsifying foods like bearnaise sauce. It's a good investment, however, at more than $1500, it's certainly not cheap.
The majority of people who buy an all-in-one cookware will choose a gas-powered model as it can reduce energy costs. This is because it is more efficient in heating than electric models which can be costly to run. All kinds of pans work with them, and many also come with a griddle.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, utilize electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food. This reduces energy consumption and the amount of heat transferred to the cooking surface. They also have a sleek and contemporary design that is well suited to contemporary kitchens.
However this technology isn't without its disadvantages. Induction hobs require cookware that is compatible and are more difficult to clean than gas models. The magnetic field emits low-frequency electromagnetic radiation in the kilohertz range that could cause harm to the human body. This amount can be reduced by the minimum distance of 5-10 centimeters and by making sure that only the proper pan is placed in an area that is active for cooking.
There are several types of induction hobs offered by different manufacturers, with varying capacities and features. The most basic model has four separate rings that can be operated individually, and the power levels can be adjusted by using a simple control system. To select the setting you want simply press the mark that represents which ring you want to use. Then, either tap the + and - buttons or move your fingers over the appropriate "power bar".
A lot of induction hobs have the bridging zone, which allows you to join two or more rings together to create a larger cooking area - ideal if you have larger saucepans that don't fit on individual rings. Some have a 'wok' setting that offers additional heating power for woks. Other hobs offer a free-standing option which can be used on a smooth, flat worktop, which will save space.
Certain models come with a digital display that displays the current power level of each ring, while others feature an rotary or dial control that requires you to twist and push your fingers to alter the settings. You can select from various power outputs for each ring. Some hobs have an automatic restart function that can bring the appliance to its original cooking mode.