Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of hob you pick will have a major impact on the amount of energy that you consume. There are a range of styles to meet your cooking preferences and needs:
Plate hobs are four rings that look like hot plates, but are actually an electric coil beneath. They are quick to heat up, and they provide good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Cookers for the range
A range cooker is a freestanding oven and hob that usually comes with multiple oven cavities and a selection of burners including typically a grill. A popular alternative to stoves and ovens with built-ins They come in different sizes and sleek designs that suit many kitchen styles.
The type of range cooker that you pick will depend on your budget and the cooking requirements. Dual fuel range cookers tend to be preferred because they combine the best of two worlds: gas hobs which are quick to heat up and are easy to control, as well as efficient electric ovens.
Many range cookers come with an easy storage draw beneath the hob, which is ideal to keep baking dishes and roasting trays out of sight. This drawer is also an ideal spot to store pans, pots and stoneware, allowing you to make space in your kitchen cabinets. You can also find cookers with an integral sink that will help you manage food preparation while cooking, and make cleaning up a breeze.
If you're catering for large numbers or host dinner parties, you should look out for a range cooker equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven. This is a wonderful feature that is easy to use and utilizes high temperatures to break down any leftover food residue. It then burns off at the surface, leaving a light ash which can be easily cleaned away.
Some models include an integrated grill, which is great to add a bit of crunch to baked meals. They are also ideal for quick snacks such as crumpets and cheese on toast.
Range cookers are often fitted with an impressive wok burner which can be a huge benefit for those who love Asian inspired food. You can also find cookers that have separate hotplates and griddles for searing meat and grilling vegetables. Based on the model you choose it could also come with additional features such as a programmable oven with multifunction settings that include base heating only or 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, look out for an elegant stainless steel range cooker. They are available in a variety of appealing colors so you can match it to your kitchen worktops, cabinet doors and other accessories. Some range cookers feature an integrated vent that helps eliminate cooking smells, resulting in a fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called wall oven) is designed to be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry or a wall, creating an elegant and personalized appearance. They are usually placed at eye level so you can see your food and avoid accidents.
A high-quality, energy-efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or more. hob and oven can vary depending on how often they're used and how well they are maintained. To ensure that your oven operates efficiently it is best to talk to a professional technician to perform routine inspections and maintenance.
Built-in ovens can be found in a variety of cooking modes that include convection and steam. These advanced features will elevate your kitchen and make cooking more efficient and more convenient.
Built-in ovens can be paired with a built-in hob to create the perfect kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs stocks a wide selection of premium hobs that match your kitchen's design and layout, regardless of whether you're looking for an electric or gas hob.
A double integrated, or built-in dual, oven can provide many options in your kitchen. They can be placed on the eye level or under a counter and feature the full-size multifunction or fan over a smaller, more economical traditional oven, with a grill element. There are many double ovens available with additional storage space such as baking trays and roasting tins, as well as catalytic liners that soak up grease to make cleaning your oven much easier.
A stylish, high-end, and modern built-in stove can significantly increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell. However, the decision to invest in an appliance for your kitchen comes down to your personal preferences and budget, as well as the layout of your kitchen.
All-in-one cookers
All-in-one cookware is the perfect solution for those who wish to have one kitchen appliance that can handle all. Multi-cookers are also referred to as multi-cookers. They combine the functions of a rice cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, pressure cook and sous vide machine into a compact package.
These are perfect for creating rich risottos and soups as they stir while that they heat, helping to create that creamy texture. They can also steam veggies or fish, and make great healthy smoothies and yogurt. But, they're not suitable for cooking meats, such as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers have a range of settings that allow you to customize the cooking process based on your ingredients and cooking method. They are a good option for those who like to cook meals without the hassle of having to cook. The cheapest models are usually equipped with basic features, but there are also more expensive models with a lot of extras.
All-in-one cookers are usually freestanding, which means they take up more space than an oven and a hob combined. They have two big ovens, each with a capacity of 60 litres. They also come with four or six hob rings as well as plates.
A new generation of all-in-one cookware has gained popularity with a range of additional functionality. Thermomix for instance, is a combination of food processor and slow cooker into one. The German-made appliance can chop, cook, and make kneads and has a range of automatic programs, including heating sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide and emulsifying foods like bearnaise sauce. It's a solid investment however, at a price of more than $1,500, it's not cheap.
The majority of people who purchase an all-in-one cooker choose a gas-powered model because it will lower energy bills. This is due to the fact that it is more efficient in heating than electric models that can be expensive to run. All kinds of pans work with them and many also have an griddle.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, make use of electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food. This helps reduce energy consumption and the amount of heat transferred to the cooking surface. They also feature a sleek, modern design that is well-suited with modern kitchens.
However, the technology is not without its disadvantages. Induction hobs are not as easy to clean as gas ones, and they require compatible cookware. The magnetic field emits low-level electromagnetic radiation within the kilohertz band that can be harmful to health. This level can be decreased by placing the pot at a distance of between five and ten centimetres of the cooking zone active.
There are a variety of induction hobs offered by different manufacturers, with varying capacities and features. The basic model comes with four rings that can each operate independently. The power levels can also be adjusted by using an easy control. Simply touch the mark representing the ring you wish to operate and then either tap the + or - buttons or slide your finger across the 'power bar' to select the desired setting.
A majority of induction cooktops come with the bridging zone, which allows you to join two or more rings together to create one larger cooking area. This is ideal if you have larger saucepans that don't fit on individual rings. Some models have a wok setting that offers an additional source of heat for woks, and others come with a 'freestanding' option that can be placed on a smooth, flat worktop to save space.
Some models have digital displays that show the current power levels of each ring. Some include rotary controls or dials which require you to twist and push your fingers to adjust settings. You can choose between different power outputs for each ring. Some hobs also have an automatic restart function that can bring the appliance to its original cooking mode.