Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of hob you choose can have a significant effect on the amount of energy you consume. There are a variety of styles to meet your cooking preferences and requirements:
Plate hobs have four different looking rings that act like hot plates with an electric coil beneath. They heat up quickly and provide good heat distribution for flat-based pans.
Cookers for the range
A range cooker is a freestanding oven and hob that usually has multiple oven cavities and several burners, which includes usually a grill. A popular alternative to built-in ovens and stoves, they come in different sizes and stylish designs that match different kitchen styles.
Typically, they are available in electric or gas and electric versions, the one you select will be based on your cooking requirements and budget. Generally, dual fuel range cookers are preferred as they offer the best of both worlds - gas hobs that heat up quickly and are easy to control alongside efficient electric ovens that offer more functions and settings.
A lot of range cookers have an attractive storage drawer below the hob, which is ideal for keeping baking dishes and roasting trays away from view. This drawer can also be used to store pots, stoneware, and pans so that you can make space in your cabinets. You can also find cookers with an integral sink to assist you in juggling food preparation while cooking, and make cleaning up a breeze.
If you're catering for large numbers or host dinner parties, look for a range cooktop equipped with a pyrolytic self-cleaning oven. This feature is simple to use, and it uses high temperatures to break up leftover food particles. It then burns off at the surface and leaves an ashy layer that can simply be wiped away.
Some models also have an integrated grill that is perfect for spicing up oven cooked meals and giving them that extra crunch. They are also ideal for quick snacks such as crumpets and cheese on toast.
The majority of range cookers come with an efficient wok burner, which can be a major benefit for those who enjoy Asian inspired cuisine. There are cookers that have separate hotplates and griddles to cook meat and griddling vegetables. Based on the model you select, it may also have additional features, such as a programmable oven with multifunction settings that include base heating only, fan assisted and even rotisserie settings.
If you're looking for a chic and contemporary design that doesn't take up much space in your kitchen, you should look for an elegant stainless steel range cooker. You can pick from a variety of colors to match the cabinet doors, countertops and accessories. Some range cookers have an integrated vent to help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in an airy and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called wall oven) is designed to fit into your kitchen cabinetry or a wall, giving a seamless and unique look. They are often installed at eye level, to allow you to be sure to watch your food preparation and avoid burns and other mishaps.
A high-quality, energy efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or more. Their lifespan is contingent on how often they're used and how well they are maintained. It is recommended to speak with an expert technician for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that your oven is operating as efficiently as it can.
Alongside offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, built-in ovens come with a range of cooking options, from convection to steam. These advanced features will elevate your kitchen and make cooking easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens can be paired with a built-in hob to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. If you're in search of an electric or gas hob StovesAreUs provides a broad range of premium hobs to match your kitchen layout and design.
A double integrated oven, often referred to as a built-in dual oven, offers great flexibility for your kitchen. They can be installed at eye level or beneath counters, and feature a full sized multifunction or fan oven underneath a smaller economy conventional oven with a grill element. Many double ovens are available with additional storage spaces such as baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic liners which absorb grease, making cleaning your oven a lot simpler.
A modern, high-end and stylish built-in oven can bring value to your home and make it more attractive to prospective buyers should you decide to sell it in the future. The decision to buy a new appliance for your kitchen ultimately comes down to personal taste budget, as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you want a kitchen appliance that does everything and more, look no further than an all-in-one cookware. Also known as multi-cookers, these models can combine the functions of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, air fryer, sous vide machine, and even food processor in one neat and tidy package.
They are ideal for making rich soups and risottos since they stir while that they heat, which helps to create that creamy texture. They can also be used to steam vegetables or fish. They are also excellent for making healthy yoghurt and smoothies. They aren't as efficient at browning meats as slow cookers or pressure cooker.
The best all-in-one cookers have a range of settings that allow you to tailor the cooking process to your particular ingredients and cooking method. They are an excellent option for those who want cooking meals without the hassle of having to cook. The cheapest models are usually equipped with basic features, but there are also more expensive models that come with many extras.
All-in-one cookers are generally freestanding, which means they take up more space than an oven and hob put together. They have two large ovens with a total capacity of 60 litres, and six or four hob rings or plates, according to the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has been a hit on the market and offers a variety of additional functions. For example, the Thermomix combines food processor and slow cooker functions into one. This German-made machine can chop and cook as well as mix. It also has a range of programs that are automated, including making frostings from sugar and cooking sous vide. It's a good investment, however, at a price of more than $1500 it's not cheap.
The majority of people who buy an all-in-one cooker opt for a gas version as it can save money on energy bills. This is due to the fact that it cooks faster than electric models, which can be expensive to run. They will be compatible with all pans and some will include the option of griddles too.
Hobs with induction
Like the name suggests Induction hobs make use of electromagnetic induction to heat cookware and cook food directly. This minimises the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, which reduces energy consumption and makes the appliances safe to touch without retaining heat. They also have a sleek and contemporary appearance that blends well with modern kitchens.
The technology comes with its own disadvantages. Induction hobs are not as easy to clean as gas ones, and they require cookware that is compatible. The magnetic induction field emits low-level electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency range which could be detrimental to health. This level can be reduced by an absolute distance of five to ten centimetres and by making sure that only the right pan is used in an area that is active for cooking.
Different manufacturers offer different types of induction hobs, each with different capacities. The most basic model has four rings that can be operated independently and the power levels can be adjusted by using an easy-to-use control system. Touch the mark that represents the ring you want to operate, and then tap the + or - buttons, or move your finger along the corresponding 'power bar' to select the required setting.
Many induction hobs feature a bridging zone which allows you to join two or more rings to create a larger cooking space - perfect for larger pots that are too large to fit on separate rings. Some have a 'wok' setting that provides an additional source of heat for woks, and others offer a free-standing option which can be used on a flat, smooth worktop, which will save space.
Certain models come with a digital display which shows the current power level of each ring while others feature a dial or rotary control which requires you to twist and push your fingers to alter the settings. You can choose between a range of power outputs for each ring. Some hobs have an automatic restart feature that can bring the appliance back to its original cooking mode.