Types of Ovens and Hobs
The kind of hob you choose 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 requirements:
Plate hobs are four rings that appear like hot plates but contain an electric coil underneath. They heat up quickly and offer good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is an oven and a hob that is a freestanding. It usually has multiple oven cavities, and a range of grills and burners. They are a popular alternative to built in stoves and ovens. They come in a range of sizes and sleek designs, which suit many kitchen styles.
Typically available in electric or gas, the type you choose will depend on your cooking needs and budget. Dual range cookers with fuel are preferred since they bring the best of two worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly and are easy to manage, as well as powerful electric ovens.
Many range cookers come with an extra storage drawer under the hob. This is ideal to store baking trays or roasting dishes that are out of sight. The drawer can also be used to store pots, stoneware, and pans, allowing you to save space in your cabinets. There are also cookers with an integral sink that will help you manage food preparation while cooking, and make cleaning up easy.
Look for a range cook equipped with a self-cleaning oven to cater for large groups or host dinner parties. This feature is super easy to use and uses high temperatures to break down leftover food residue. It then burns off on the surface and leaves an ashy layer that can simply be wiped off.
Some models include an integrated grill, which is ideal for adding a little extra crunch to oven-cooked meals. They are excellent for quick snacks such as crumpets and cheese on toast.
Many range cookers are equipped with powerful wok burners that are great for those who love Asian food. There are cookers with separate hotplates and griddles for searing meat as well as cooking vegetables. Based on the model you pick, it may also have additional features, such as an oven that is programmable with multi-function settings that include base heat only or fan assisted, and even Rotisserie settings.
Find a stainless-steel range cooker if you want modern, stylish design in your kitchen that doesn't take up much space. They're available in a range of eye-catching colours so you can match it to your worktops, cabinet doors, and accessories. Some range cookers also have an integrated vent that can help extract cooking odours to create a clean and fresh kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in wall oven is designed to integrate with your kitchen cabinets, or even the wall, to create an elegant look. They are often installed at eye level so you can keep an eye on your food preparation and avoid burns and other mishaps.
A high-quality built-in oven that is energy efficient will last 15 years or more. However, their lifespan can differ greatly based on how much usage they are subjected to and the frequency of maintenance and care. To ensure that your oven is operating optimally, it's best to consult an expert technician for regular inspections and maintenance.
Built-in ovens are available in different cooking styles such as convection and steam. These advanced features can take your kitchen to a higher level, making your cooking easier and more convenient.
Built-in ovens can be paired with a built-in hob to create the perfect kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs has a wide range of high-end hobs that suit your kitchen style and layout, whether you're seeking an electric or gas hob.
A double integrated or built-in dual oven offers the flexibility you need in the kitchen. They can be installed at eye level or beneath counters and include the full-size multifunction or fan over a smaller, more economical conventional with grill element. A lot of double ovens have additional storage options like baking trays, roasting tins or catalytic lines that absorb grease for easier cleaning.
A stylish, high-end, and modern built-in range can significantly increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell. The decision to buy a new appliance for your kitchen ultimately comes down to your personal preferences budget, as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you're looking for a kitchen appliance that does it all you need, you should consider an all-in-one cookware. Also known as multi-cookers these multi-functional models combine the functions of a slow cooker rice cooker, pressure cooker air fryer, sous vide machine and even a food processor into a neat and tidy package.
They are ideal for making rich soups and risottos since they stir at the same time that they heat, which helps to create the creamy texture. They can also be used to steam fish or vegetables. They are also excellent for making healthy yoghurt and smoothies. But, they're not ideal for browning meats as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The best all-in-one cookers will have a variety of settings that let you tailor the cooking process to your ingredients and cooking method. This makes them a good option for those who want to cook more hands-off meals. The cheapest models are usually equipped with the most basic features, but there are also more expensive models that come with many extras.
All-in-one cookers are typically freestanding, meaning that they consume more space than an oven and hob if they are combined. They have two ovens that have a capacity of 60 litres and either six or four plates or hob rings dependent on the model.
A new generation of all in one cookers has entered the market, providing various additional functions. For instance, the Thermomix incorporates food processor and slow cooker functions into one. The German-made appliance can chop, cook, and knead and has a variety of automated programs, such as making frostings from sugar as well as cooking sous vide and emulsifying foods like bearnaise sauce. It's a smart investment but at more than $1500, it's not inexpensive.
The majority of people who buy an all-in-one cooker will prefer a gas model because it will lower energy bills. It heats up faster than electric models which can be expensive to run. Pans of all kinds will be compatible with them and a lot also come with a griddle.
Hobs with induction
Like the name suggests Induction hobs utilize electromagnetic induction to heat cookware and directly cook food. This reduces energy consumption and the amount of heat transferred to the cooking surface. They also are sleek and modern in appearance that blends well with modern kitchens.
However the technology isn't without its flaws. Induction hobs are not as clean as gas models, and they require compatible cookware. The magnetic induction field emits low-frequency electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency band, which could be detrimental to health. This radiation level can be reduced by placing the pot at a distance of between five and ten centimetres away from the cooking zone that is active.
There are many types of induction hobs offered by various manufacturers, with different capacities and features. The simplest model comes with four rings that can be operated independently and the power levels can be adjusted using an easy-to-use control system. To select the setting you want simply press the mark that represents the ring you wish to use. Then, either tap the + or - buttons or move your fingers across the corresponding "power bar".
Induction hobs often have a bridging space that allows you to connect two or more rings to create a larger cooking surface. This is a great option for larger pots that don't fit on individual rings. Some have a "wok" setting that provides an additional source of heat for woks, and others offer a free-standing 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 models have dials or rotary controls that require you to twist and press your fingers to adjust the settings. You can select from various power outputs per ring. Some hobs also come with an automatic restart function that will return the appliance to its previous cooking mode.