Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of cooker hob you choose can have a big impact on the amount of energy you consume. There are a range of types to suit your cooking preferences and requirements:
Plate hobs are four rings that appear like hot plates, but are actually an electric coil underneath. They heat quickly and offer good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is an oven and a hob which is freestanding. It usually has multiple oven cavities, as well as a range of grills and burners. They are an alternative to built in ovens and stoves. They come in a variety of sizes and sleek designs that can be adapted to a variety of kitchen styles.
Typically available in electric or gas, the choice you make will depend on your cooking preferences and budget. Generally, dual fuel range cookers are preferred because they provide the best of both worlds - gas hobs that warm up quickly and are easy to control alongside efficient electric ovens that have more features and settings.
Many range cookers have an storage drawer beneath the hob. This is perfect to store baking trays or roasting dishes out-of-sight. This drawer is also an ideal spot to store pans, pots and stoneware to free up space in your kitchen cabinets. There are also Ovens & Hobs that come with a sink to assist you in juggling food preparation while cooking and make cleaning up easy.
If you're catering to large numbers or host dinner parties, look out for a range cooker with a pyrolytic self-cleaning oven. This feature is simple to use, and it uses high temperatures to break down leftover food debris. Then, it burns off at the surface, leaving a light ash which can be easily cleaned off.
Some models also include a handy integrated grill that is perfect for spicing up oven cooked meals and giving them that extra crunch. They are excellent to make quick snacks like cheese on toast and crumpets.
Many range cookers come with powerful wok burners that are great for those who enjoy Asian cuisine. You can also find cookers with separate hotplates and griddles for searing meat as well as grilling vegetables. You may also find that the model you select comes with additional features, such as a multifunction oven with settings such as base heat only, fan assisted, and even rotisserie.
If you're looking to find a chic and modern design that won't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, check at an elegant stainless steel range cooker. You can choose from a variety of colours to match the cabinet doors, countertops and other accessories. Some range cookers also have built-in vents that help extract cooking odours to create fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called a wall oven) is designed to fit into the kitchen cabinetry or wall, creating a seamless and unique appearance. They are often installed at eye level so you can keep an eye on your food items and avoid burns and other mishaps.
A high-quality, energy efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or more. However, their life span can differ greatly based on how much use they receive and the frequency of maintenance and maintenance. It's recommended to consult with an experienced technician for routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that your oven is working as efficiently as possible.
Built-in ovens are available in a variety of cooking modes such as convection and steam. These advanced features can elevate your kitchen to the next level, making cooking more efficient and practical.
Built-in ovens can be used with a built-in hob to create the perfect kitchen layout for your home. StovesAreUs stocks a wide selection of premium hobs that will fit your kitchen's style and layout, no matter if you are looking for an electric or gas hob.
A double-integrated oven, sometimes referred to as a built-in dual cooker, provides a wide range of options for your kitchen. They can be fitted in a counter-top or eye level a counter, and they come with a large multi-function or fan oven below an economy conventional oven with a grill element. There are a variety of double ovens with additional storage space, such as baking trays, roasting tins or catalytic liners that soak up grease, making cleaning your oven much simpler.
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. The decision to purchase a new appliance for your kitchen is ultimately down to your personal preferences budget, style, and layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you want an appliance that can do it all, then you should consider an all-in-one cookware. Also known as multi-cookers these multi-functional models combine the functions of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker sous vide machine and even a food processor into one neat and tidy package.
They are perfect for making rich soups and risottos, since they stir as they heat up to create that creamy texture. They can also be used to steam vegetables or fish. They are also ideal to make healthy yoghurt and smoothies. But, they're not ideal for browning meats as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers offer a variety of settings that allow you to alter the cooking process based on your ingredients and cooking method. They are an excellent choice for those who prefer to cook meals without having to be involved. The cheapest models typically include only the basics, but there are higher-end models available with a variety of extras.
All-in-one cookware is typically freestanding, meaning that they take up more room than an oven and hob. They have two large ovens that have a capacity of 60 litres, and six or four plates or hob rings depending on the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has been a hit on the market and offers a variety of additional features. Thermomix is one example. It is a combination of food processor and slow cooker into one. This German-made appliance can chop, cook, and mix and comes with a range of automatic programs, including heating sugar for frostings, cooking sous vide and making emulsifiers of foods such as bearnaise sauce. It's a solid investment but, at more than $1500 it's not cheap.
Gas is the most popular option for people who want to buy an all-in-one cookware. It can help them save money on their energy costs. It heats up faster than electric models, which can be expensive to run. They will work with all types of pans and some will include a griddle option too.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as their name suggests, use electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food. This helps reduce energy consumption and the amount of heat that is transferred to the cooking surface. They also have a sleek, modern design that is well-suited with contemporary kitchens.
However the technology isn't without its disadvantages. Induction hobs are not as easy to clean as gas ones and require cookware that is compatible. The magnetic induction field emits low-level electromagnetic waves within the kilohertz frequency range which can be harmful to health. This amount can be reduced by placing the pot at the distance between five and ten centimetres away from the cooking zone active.
There are a variety of induction hobs available from different manufacturers, each with different capacities and features. The basic model has four rings that can each operate independently. The power levels can also be adjusted using a simple 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.
Induction hobs often have a bridging area that allows you to connect two or more rings to create a larger cooking area. This is a great option when your larger pans aren't able to fit onto individual rings. Some induction hobs feature an "wok" setting that provides extra heating power for woks. Other models come with an "free-standing" option that can be used to save space on a flat, smooth surface.
Some models feature a digital display that displays the current power level of each ring while others have an rotary or dial control that requires you to twist and push your fingers to alter the settings. You can choose between various power outputs for each ring. Some hobs also have an automatic restart function that can bring the appliance back to its original cooking mode.