Types of Ovens and Hobs
The type of cooker hob you select can have a significant impact on the amount of energy you consume. There are a variety of hobs that will meet your cooking needs and preferences:
Plate hobs have four different appearance rings that function as hot plates, with an electric coil under. They heat quickly and provide good heat distribution for flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is an oven and hob that is freestanding. It typically has a number of oven cavities, a variety of burners and grills. They are popular alternatives to built-in stoves and ovens. They come in a variety of sizes and sleek designs, which are suitable for a variety of kitchen styles.
Typically, they are available in gas or electric and electric versions, the one you select will depend on your cooking needs and budget. Generally dual fuel range cookers are the most popular because they provide the best of both worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly and are easy to control alongside efficient electric ovens that offer more functions and settings.
A lot of range cookers have an storage drawer beneath the hob. This is ideal for storing baking trays or roasting dishes that are out of sight. The drawer is also an ideal place to store pots, pans and stoneware to make space in your cupboards. There are cookers that have an integrated sink that will allow you to cook your food and will make cleaning a breeze.
Find a range cook equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic cooktop when you cook for large numbers or host dinner gatherings. This feature is extremely simple to use, and it makes use of high temperatures to break down leftover food residue. It then burns off at the surface, leaving an ashy layer that can simply be wiped off.
Some models come with an integrated grill, which is ideal for adding a little extra crunch to cooked in the oven. They're excellent for quick snacks such as cheese on toast or crumpets.
A lot of range cookers have powerful wok burners that are perfect for those who enjoy Asian food. You can find cookers with separate hotplates for searing meat and griddling vegetables. You might also find that the model you pick comes with additional features, like an oven that can be multi-functional with options like base heat only, fan assisted, and even rotisserie.
If you're looking to find a chic and contemporary design that doesn't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, you should look out for a sleek stainless range cooker made of stainless steel. You can pick from a variety of colours to match the cabinet doors, countertops and other kitchen accessories. Some range cookers also have built-in vents that help extract cooking odours to create 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 wall, creating a seamless and customized look. They are often installed at eye level, so you can keep an eye on your food preparation and avoid burns and other incidents.
A good quality built-in oven that is energy efficient can last for 15 years or more. Their lifespan can vary depending on how frequently they are used and how well they are maintained. To ensure that your oven operates optimally it is recommended to speak with an expert technician for regular inspections and maintenance.
In addition to providing a sleek, modern aesthetic, built-in ovens come in a wide variety of cooking functions, ranging from convection to steam. These modern features can take your kitchen to the next level, making cooking easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens can be used with a hob that is integrated to create the perfect kitchen layout for your home. StovesAreUs stocks a wide selection of high-end hobs that fit your kitchen's design and layout, regardless of whether you're looking for gas or electric hobs.
A double-integrated oven, sometimes referred to as a built-in dual oven, provides a wide range of options for your kitchen. They can be installed in a counter-top or eye level counters, and they feature a full sized multifunction or fan oven below an economy conventional oven with a grill element. A lot of double ovens have additional storage, such as roasting tins and baking trays, or catalytic lines that help to absorb grease, making it easier to clean.
A high-quality, stylish and modern built-in range can significantly increase the value of the property and make it more attractive prospective buyers should you decide to sell. However, the decision to invest in the latest kitchen appliance is based on your personal preferences, budget and kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
All-in-one cookware is the perfect solution for those who wish to have a single kitchen appliance that can handle all. Multi-cookers are also called multi-cookers. They combine the functions of a rice cooker, slow cooker, air fryer, pressure cooker and sous vide machine in one compact package.
They are great for making rich soups and risottos because they stir at the same time that they heat, which helps to create the creamy texture. They can also steam vegetables or fish, and are ideal for making healthy smoothies and yogurt. However, they are not ideal for browning meats as slow cookers or pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers come with a variety of settings which allow you to customize the cooking process according to the ingredients you use and the method you prefer. This makes them a great option for those who want cooking more hands-free meals. The most basic models will usually include only basic features but there are more expensive versions available that are packed full of additional features.
All-in-one cookers are usually freestanding, which means they take up more space than an oven and a hob put together. They have two large ovens that have a capacity of about 60 litres and either four or six hob rings or plates, depending on the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has gained popularity, offering a wide range 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 make kneading. It comes with a variety of automated programs, such as the heating of sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide. It's a good investment, however, at more than $1,500, it's not cheap.
Gas is the most popular option for people who want to buy an all-in one cooker. It will save them money on their energy bills. It heats up faster than electric ones, and can be costly to run. All types of pans will work with them, and many also come with an griddle.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, use electromagnetic induction technology to heat cookware directly and cook food directly. This reduces the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, which reduces energy consumption and makes the appliances safe to handle without any residual heat. They also have a sleek, modern design that works well with contemporary kitchens.
The technology has its own disadvantages. Induction hobs aren't as clean as gas ones, and they require compatible cookware. The magnetic induction field emits low-level electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency range which could be detrimental to health. This level can be decreased by putting the pan at a a distance between five and ten centimetres of the cooking zone active.
There are many types of induction hobs offered by different manufacturers, each with different capacities and features. The most basic model offers four separate rings that can be operated individually, and the power levels can be adjusted by using a simple control system. To select the setting you want make sure you touch the mark that represents which ring you want to use. You can then either tap the + or - buttons or move your finger over the appropriate "power bar".
Many induction hobs feature an 'bridging' zone that allows you to join two or more rings to create one larger cooking space - perfect for larger pots that can't be accommodated on individual rings. Some models have a wok setting that offers additional heating power for woks. ovensandhobs have a 'free-standing' option that can be set on a flat, smooth worktop to make space.
Some models feature a digital display which shows the current power level of each ring, while others feature the option of a dial or rotary control which requires you to twist and press your fingers to adjust the settings. You can select from a range of power outputs for each ring. Some hobs have an automatic restart function that can bring the appliance back to its previous cooking setting.