Choosing an Oven With Hob
If you're looking to improve or build a new kitchen, an oven and a hob might be the best option.
Electric and gas ovens with a stove are available. Gas cookers include a set (usually four) of burners as well as an oven. Electric cookers include an oven as well as a surface to cook on.
What is a hob?
Hobs (also called cooktops or cooker tops) are the primary component of a stove that cooks pots on. They're available in gas electric, and ceramic versions. Some models come with dual fuel burners that combine the quick cooking time of an oven with the instant heat power of a gas stove.
A hob can be put in either as a freestanding appliance or as an integral component of a built-in kitchen. When selecting a kitchen appliance it is important to consider its dimensions as well as its energy efficiency and its ease of operation. It is also important to determine which kind of hob will best suit your cooking style. Different kinds of hobs offer different levels of performance.
Gas hobs, for instance, are popular among people who like stir-frying and cooking because they're easy to use and provide instant heat. However, if you're looking for the most clean option, then induction hobs might be the way to go. They cook the food directly by using electromagnets, so they only require electricity when you're actually cooking, and turn off automatically when the pan has been removed from the hob.
If you're thinking of installing a new hob, be aware that it's essential to have a fully functioning gas pipe prior to installing one. This will ensure that your hob is safe to use and you won't have any issues when it's time to cook.
The type of hob you choose will determine which controls are available. Rotating controls are commonly found on gas and solid sealed plate hobs, allowing you to adjust the amount of heat that you cook at any given time. Touch controls are typically found on ceramic and induction hobs, giving you the flexibility to select the setting you prefer using your fingertips. Some hobs come with child safety locks so that children and guests cannot accidentally change the settings.
If you're a keen chef, it may be worth investing in a feature that isn't included such as a timer or pause function. They can help you multitask while cooking, and prevent your food from being overcooked or burned. They can also save you 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 has many advantages that include the ease of use, energy efficiency and compatibility with a variety of kinds of cookware. When choosing the right hob, it is important to consider other factors like cost and lifestyle compatibility.
One of the most popular types of hobs is a gas hob. Gas hobs are easy to use, and provide a superior level of heat control. However, they require the gas connection, which is not accessible in every home. They also take longer to get hot and cool down, which could make them less suitable for everyday cooking.
Induction hobs are another option for a sleek, efficient solution. They work by creating magnetic fields around the pan, meaning that it's only the cookware that gets hot, not the surface of the hob. This means they're safe, easy to clean, and can boil water in just seconds. However, they're more expensive than other types of hobs and only work with metal pans - ideally made of cast iron or 18/10 steel. Induction hobs can affect pacemakers as they emit a magnetic field.
Another type of hob is a mix electric and gas model. This is a great choice for those who want the flexibility of both induction and gas but don't want to spend an enormous amount. They let you switch between the two, for example sauteing on the gas side while simmering induction, enabling you to create more complex dishes while saving money over the long term.
Many stoves also have a pause feature that allows the user to turn off heating all zones at the same time. This helps avoid accidents, especially in busy kitchens. There are also control and child locks, which prevent children or other persons from unintentionally changing the settings.
Many hobs are equipped with a removable drip tray or spillage tray, which makes cleaning much easier. A few sprays of kitchen cleaner should be enough to get most surfaces clean, but the most stubborn stains and marks can often be removed with a specialist hob scraper.
What is the difference between a hob and an oven?
A hob is a cooktop that is used to heat pots and similar cooking vessels. There are numerous kinds of hobs available that include electric, gas and induction hobs. Some have features that make cooking more convenient while others are just decorative.
Ceramic hobs, for example, are known to be both elegant and easy to clean. They work by using electrical energy to heat elements beneath the glass surface. This then transfer the heat directly to the pans. This makes them extremely efficient and energy-saving, as they only heat the pans, not the surrounding surface. They may take longer to cool and heat, and are more susceptible to chips and scratches if not careful.
Another kind of hob is a gas-on glass model. They're similar to traditional gas hobs but have the added benefit of that they come with elegant, sleek glass finish. They're also generally less difficult to clean as there aren't burning rings or hot flames to worry about. They're more expensive, and it may be difficult to locate replacement parts should they break.
Induction hobs are a modern and energy-efficient alternative. They use electromagnets to generate electricity, which then heats up the bottom of your pans instead of the hob's surface. They are extremely quick to heat up and cool down and are also safe since they only heat when you place a pan over the zone. However they're only compatible with certain types of pans (usually steel or cast iron) and are more costly than other hobs.
There are dual-fuel models that combine an electric oven with a gas stove to offer the best of both. This is a great option if you're seeking a complete appliance that bakes and roast, while also heating, boiling, or frying up meals.
How do I set up hobs?
Selecting a oven and hob that can work together, particularly in a small kitchen requires careful planning. The cooker should be low enough to be able to sit under the hob. If there is an overhang, be sure that it does not hinder access to and out of oven. A drop-down door is an ideal solution to this.
Also, consider the height of your hob and oven. If it's too low, it can be difficult taking hot roasting pans into and out. If you have kids, you should also consider the distance of the cooktop from 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 security.
The ideal hob for you will depend on your lifestyle, frequency of cooking and whether you prefer a gas or an electric hob. For example, if you regularly entertain guests, then an oven that is larger may be better to suit your requirements. If you also love to bake or cook, an electric oven that has a hob is a practical option, since it lets you to cook simultaneously and bake.
You must also take into consideration that your electrical system at home must be able handle the power of the appliance you decide to purchase. It can be costly to add a new electric appliance or switch from gas to electricity. You'll need to rewire the entire kitchen.
The safest way to install your new appliance is to have it plugged in by an electrician who is a professional. Utilizing an extension lead or adapter can be dangerous and damage your appliance.
When selecting an electrician make sure they are certified and accredited by a trade body like Trusted Traders. This will allow you locate a local tradesperson who has the appropriate experience for the job. It is also essential to ask for estimates from a variety of tradespeople, as the price can vary significantly. One way to do this is to use the search engine on our website that will assist you to locate a reputable tradesperson near you.