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 many types to suit your needs and cooking preferences:
Plate hobs have four different appearance rings that function as hot plates with an electric coil underneath. They are quick to heat up and provide a good heat distribution for flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is a self-standing oven and a hob that usually comes with multiple oven cavities and several burners, which includes typically a grill. A popular alternative to stoves and ovens that are built-in, they come in different sizes and stylish designs that match different kitchen styles.
The type of range cooker you choose will depend on the budget and your cooking needs. Generally dual fuel range cookers are preferred since they provide the best of both worlds - gas hobs that heat up quickly and are easy to control, as well as efficient electric oven s that have more features and settings.
A lot of range cookers have an attractive storage drawer below the hob, which is ideal for keeping baking trays and roasting dishes out of sight. This drawer can also be used to store stoneware, pots and pans, allowing you to save space in your cabinets. There are also cookers that come with a sink to assist you in juggling food preparation while cooking and make cleaning up a breeze.
If you're catering for an audience or host dinner parties, you should look for a range cooktop equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven. This feature is super easy to use and makes use of high temperatures to break down leftover food residue. The residue is then smelted off at the surface, leaving a small amount of ash.
Some models have an integrated grill, which is ideal to add a little crunch to cooked in the oven. They're excellent for quick snacks such as cheese on toast and crumpets.
Cookers of the range are usually equipped with a powerful wok burner, which is a major benefit for those who enjoy Asian inspired food. There are cookers with separate hotplates and griddles for searing meat as well as cooking vegetables. It is possible that the model you choose comes with additional features, such as a multifunction oven with options like base heat only, fan assisted and even rotisserie.
Find a stainless-steel range cooker if your goal is modern, stylish design in your kitchen that doesn't take up a lot of space. You can pick from a range of colors to match your cabinet doors, worktops and other accessories. Some range cookers also have built-in vents that help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in a clean and fresh kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also known as a wall oven ) is designed to be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry or a wall, resulting in an elegant and personalized look. They are typically installed at eye level, so you can be sure to watch your food items and avoid burns and other accidents.
A high-quality, energy-efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or longer. Their lifespan is contingent on how often they're used and how they are maintained. It's recommended to consult with a professional technician for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure your oven is operating as efficiently as possible.
As well as offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, built-in ovens come with a range of cooking functions, from convection to steam. These advanced features can take your kitchen to a new level, making your cooking a lot easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens can be used with a built-in hob to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs has a wide range of premium hobs that match your kitchen's style and layout, no matter if you are seeking an electric or gas hob.
A double integrated or built-in dual oven provides the flexibility you need in your kitchen. They can be set up at eye level or beneath the counter, and come with the full-size multifunction or fan over a smaller economy traditional oven, with a grill element. A lot of double ovens have additional storage options like baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic lines that absorb grease for easier cleaning.
A stylish, high-end and modern built-in stove can add significant value to the property and make it more attractive prospective buyers should you decide to sell. However, the decision to invest in a new kitchen appliance ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget, as well as the layout of your kitchen.
All-in-one cookers
If you want an appliance that can do everything you need, you should consider an all-in-one cooker. Also known as multi-cookers, these models can combine the functions of a slow cooker pressure cooker, rice cooker sous vide equipment, and even a food processor into one neat and tidy package.
They are great for making rich soups and risottos, as they stir while heating up to help create that creamy texture. They can also steam veggies or fish, and they make great healthy smoothies and yoghurt. However, they are not suitable for cooking meats, such as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers come with a variety of settings which allow you to customize the cooking process to suit your ingredients and cooking method. They are an excellent choice for those who prefer cooking meals without having to be involved. The cheapest models will typically include only the basics, but there are more expensive versions available that are packed full of extras.
All-in-one cookware is typically an appliance that is freestanding, which means they require more space than a combination of an oven and a hob. They have two large ovens with a total capacity of about 60 litres, and four or six plates or hob rings, depending on the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has entered the market, bringing a variety of additional functionality. For example the Thermomix combines food processor and slow cooker functions into one. The German-made machine can chop and cook as well as knead. It also has a range of programs that are automated, including the heating of sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide. It's a great investment, but at more than $1500, it's not inexpensive.
The majority of people who purchase an all-in-one cooker choose a gas-powered model because it will save money on energy bills. This is due to the fact that it heats up quicker than electric models, which can be expensive to run. They are compatible with all pans and some will include the option of griddles too.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as their name suggests, utilize electromagnetic induction technology to heat cookware directly and cook food directly. This helps reduce energy consumption and the amount of heat transferred to the cooking surface. They also have a sleek, modern design that is well-suited with modern kitchens.
The technology comes with its own disadvantages. Induction hobs are not as easy to clean as gas models and require compatible cookware. The magnetic induction field emits low-level electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency range which can be dangerous to your health. This amount 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.
There are several types of induction hobs available from various manufacturers, with different capacities and features. The most basic model offers four separate rings that can be operated independently, and the power levels can be adjusted by using an easy control system. Make sure to touch the mark that represents the ring you want to operate, then tap the + or - buttons or slide your finger along the corresponding 'power bar' to select the required setting.
Induction hobs usually have a bridging area that allows you to connect two or more rings to create a larger cooking surface. This is ideal for larger pots that don't fit onto individual rings. Some have a "wok" setting that gives additional heating power for woks, and others offer a free-standing option that can be placed on a flat, smooth worktop to make space.
Some models come with digital displays that show the current power levels of each ring. Some models include rotary controls or dials that require you to turn and then press your fingers to adjust the settings. You can also select from a variety of power outputs for each ring and some hobs have an auto-restart feature which will return the appliance to its previously selected cooking mode after a short time.