Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to improve or build your kitchen from scratch, an oven and hob could be the ideal solution.
Ovens with a hob are available as gas cookers and electric cookers. Gas cookers come with an array (usually four) of burners as well as an oven. Electric cookers include an oven and a surface for cooking.
What is a hob, exactly?
The main part of the stove is the hob (also known as cooker top or cooktop). This is the place where you heat your pots. They are available in gas, electric and ceramic varieties. Some models even have dual fuel burners that combine the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heating power of a gas stove.
A hob can be set up either as a freestanding appliance or as an integral component of a kitchen built-in. When selecting a hob it is important to be aware of its size, energy efficiency, and the ease of use. It is also important to determine which kind of hob is ideal for your cooking style. Different types have different levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for example, are popular among people who love stir-frying and frying because they are easy to use and offer instant heat. Induction hobs are a great option for those who want to keep your kitchen as tidy as possible. They heat the pan by using electromagnets. This means that they only use electricity when you're cooking. They also shut off automatically after the pan has been removed.
If you're planning to install an entirely new hob, you should be aware that it is essential to have a fully functioning gas pipe before you install one. This will ensure your hob is safe to use and that you don't encounter any issues in the kitchen.
Hobs usually have a variety of controls, based on what kind you choose. On gas and solid sealed plate hobs you can adjust the heat using rotating controls. Touch controls are usually found on induction and ceramic hobs, giving you the option of selecting the desired setting with your fingertips. Some hobs also have child and safety locks, which means you can ensure that your guests and children don't unintentionally change the settings.
If you're a keen chef, it could be worth investing in an extra feature such as a timer, or pause function. They will allow you to multitask while cooking, and also prevent your food from getting overcooked or burned. You can also cut down on time and effort if you make your kitchen more efficient.
What are the advantages of a hob?
A hob can be an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering advantages like ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with all kinds of cookware. It is important to consider these benefits against other factors like the cost and the lifestyle compatibility when selecting the best hob for your home.
One of the most sought-after kinds of hobs is the gas hob. Gas hobs are simple to use, and provide a high degree of heat control. However they require an gas connection that is not accessible in every home. They also take a longer time to warm up and cool down, which may make them less suitable for everyday cooking.
Induction hobs are another option that offer a sleek and efficient solution. They create magnetic fields around the pan, so it's only the cookware that gets hot and not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe, easy to clean, and can boil water in just seconds. However, they are more expensive than other types of hobs and only work with metal pans, which should be made from cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs may affect pacemakers as they emit magnetic fields.
Another kind of hob is a mix electric and gas model. This is a great option for those seeking the flexibility of both induction and gas, but don't want to invest an excessive amount. They allow you to switch between the two, for example sauteing on the gas side and simmering induction making it possible to cook more complex dishes and save money over the long term.
Many hobs also include a pause feature that allows users to shut off heating all zones at once. This can help prevent accidents, especially in busy kitchens. There are also controls and child locks that stop children from accidentally altering the settings.
Most hobs come with a removable drip tray or spillage tray. This makes cleaning much easier. A few sprays of kitchen cleaner should be enough to get most surfaces clean. However, the most stubborn stains and marks are often removed using a specialist hob scraper.
What is the difference between an oven and a hob?
A cooktop is a hob, used to heat saucepans and similar cooking vessels. There are a variety of hobs, such as electric, gas and induction. Some have features that make cooking easier while others are more decorative.
For example, ceramic hobs are renowned for their elegant and stylish, as well as easy to clean. They use electrical energy to heat elements underneath the glass surface, which then transmits the heat directly to the pans. They are extremely energy-efficient and efficient, since they only heat your pans. They can take longer to heat and cool and are more vulnerable to scratches and chips if not careful.
Gas on glass is another kind of hob. They're similar to traditional gas hobs, but they have the added benefit that they come with elegant, stylish glass finish. There aren't any flames or hot burner rings to worry about, so they're less difficult to clean. However, they tend to be a little more expensive than other kinds of hob, and it can be difficult to locate replacement parts for if something goes wrong.
Induction hobs are an innovative and energy efficient alternative. They utilize electromagnets to create electricity, which then warms up the pan's bottom rather than the surrounding hob surface. They are very fast to heat up and cool down and are also safe because they only heat when you place a pan on the zone. However, they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually steel or cast iron) and can be more expensive than other hobs .
There are dual-fuel models that incorporate an electric oven and gas stove to provide the best of both. This is ideal if looking for a one-stop appliance that bakes and roast, while also cooking, boiling, or warming up food items.
How do I set up hobs?
Choosing a hob and oven that work well together, particularly in a small kitchen requires careful planning. The cooker should be small enough to fit under the hob. If there is an overhang, make sure it doesn't interfere with reaching into and out of oven. This can be accomplished by a drop-down door.
Also, consider the height of your oven and the hob. If it's too low, it could be difficult to carry hot roasting tray into and out. Also, if you have children, think about the distance of the cooktop to them. Built-in cooktops are within reach of children, while freestanding cooktops tend to be higher and can be moved back to the back splash for additional safety.
The ideal hobs for you could differ based on your lifestyle, the frequency you cook, and whether you would prefer an electric or gas hob. For example, if you frequently host guests, then an oven that is larger may be better to suit your needs. If you also love to bake, then an electric oven that has an oven is a good choice, as it allows you to cook simultaneously and bake.
It's also important to keep in mind that your domestic electrical setup must be able to cope with the power of the appliance you choose. Making the switch to an electric cooking appliance or switching from gas to electric, can be expensive as you'll have to wire your whole kitchen.
The safest way to install your new appliance is to have it hardwired by an electrician who is a professional. The use of an adapter or extension lead is risky and could cause damage to your appliance.
Check if the electrician is certified and accredited by a professional body such as Trusted Traders. This will help you locate a local tradesperson with the appropriate skills to accomplish the task. It is also essential to ask for estimates from several tradespeople since prices can vary considerably. You can find trusted tradespeople in your area using the online search tool accessible on our website.