Types of Ovens and Hobs
The type of cooker hob you choose can have a big impact on how much energy you consume. There are a range of kinds to fit your cooking preferences and requirements:
Plate hobs come with four different look rings that act as hot plates that have an electric coil beneath. They heat up quickly and provide good heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is an oven and hob which is freestanding. It usually has several oven cavities, as well as a variety of burners and grills. 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 be based on your cooking requirements and budget. Dual range cookers with fuel are preferred since they combine the best of both worlds: gas stoves which heat up quickly and are easy to control, as well as efficient electric ovens.
A lot of range cookers have an easy storage draw beneath the hob. This is great to keep baking tray and roasting dishes out of sight. This drawer is also a great place to store pans, pots and stoneware, allowing you to free up space in your kitchen cabinets. There are also cookers that come with a sink to help you juggle food preparation while cooking and help you clean up.
Look for a range cook equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic cooktop if you cater for large parties or dinner events. This is a wonderful feature that's easy to use and uses high temperatures to break down leftover food residue. The residue is then burned off at the surface, leaving lighter ash.
Some models also have an integrated grill that's perfect to spice up oven-cooked meals and giving them the extra crunch. They can also be useful for frying up quick snacks like cheese on toast or crumpets.
Many range cookers are equipped with powerful wok burners, which are great for those who appreciate Asian food. There are cookers with separate hotplates as well as griddles for searing meat as well as grilling vegetables. Depending on the model you pick it could also come with additional features like a programmable oven with multifunction settings, including base heating only, fan assisted and even rotisserie settings.
Choose a stainless steel range cooker if you're looking for an elegant, modern look in your kitchen that doesn't take up much space. They're available in an array of appealing colors so you can match it to your kitchen worktops, cabinet doors, and accessories. Some range cookers also have an integrated vent that can help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in wall oven is designed to be integrated with the kitchen cabinetry or wall, to give an aesthetically pleasing appearance. They are typically installed at eye level, so you can keep an eye on your food preparation and avoid burns and other accidents.
A high-quality, energy-efficient built-in oven may last 15 years or longer. 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.
Alongside providing a sleek, modern appearance, built-in ovens can be found in a wide variety of cooking functions, ranging from steam to convection. These advanced features can take your kitchen to a new level, making your cooking easier and more convenient.
Built-in ovens can be combined with a hob that is integrated to make the perfect kitchen style setup for your home. If you're in search of a gas or electric hob StovesAreUs has a wide selection of high-end hobs to suit your kitchen layout and style.
A double-integrated oven, also known as a built-in dual oven, provides a wide range of options for your kitchen. They can be placed at eye level or beneath a counter and feature the full-size multifunction or fan over a smaller economy traditional oven, with a grill element. A lot of double ovens have extra storage such as baking trays, roasting tins or catalytic lines that absorb grease for easier cleaning.
A high-end, modern and stylish built-in oven can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers should you decide to sell it in the near future. The decision to purchase an appliance that is new for your kitchen ultimately comes down to personal taste budget, style, and layout.
All-in-one cookers
All-in-one cookware is the ideal solution for those looking to have one kitchen appliance that can do it all. Also known as multi-cookers these versatile models combine the functions of a slow cooker rice cooker, pressure cooker sous vide machine, and even a food processor into a neat and tidy package.
They are perfect for making rich soups and risottos, because they stir while heating up to help create the creamy texture. They can also steam veggies or fish, and they are great for making healthy smoothies and yoghurt. But, they're not good for browning meats like slow cookers or pressure cooker.
The best all-in-one cookers have a range of settings that allow you to tailor the cooking process to your specific ingredients and cooking method. This makes them a great option for those who prefer to cook more hands-off meals. The cheapest models typically come with only basic features, however there are higher-end models available with a variety of additional features.
All-in-one cookware is typically freestanding, meaning that they take up more room than a combination of an oven and a hob. They have two large ovens that have a capacity of about 60 litres. They also have 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. Thermomix, for example, combines the functions of a food processor and a slow cooker into one. The German-made appliance can chop, cook, and knead and has a variety of automatic programs, including heating sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide and mixing foods such as bearnaise sauce. It's a great investment, but at more than $1500, it isn't cheap.
The majority of people who purchase an all-in-one cookware will opt for a gas version as it can save money on energy bills. This is because it cooks faster than electric models that can be expensive to run. They will be compatible with all pans, and a lot will come with the option of griddles too.
Hobs with induction
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, utilize electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food. This reduces energy use and the amount of heat that is transferred to the cooking surface. They also feature a sleek, modern design that works well with modern kitchens.
However, the technology is not without its drawbacks. Induction hobs require cookware that is compatible and are more difficult to clean than gas models. The magnetic induction field emits low-level electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency range, which could be harmful to health. This level can be decreased by placing the pan at the distance between five and ten centimetres away from the cooking zone that is active.
Different manufacturers offer different types of induction hobs that have different capacities. The basic model has four rings that can each operate independently. The power levels can be adjusted using a simple control. Touch the mark that represents the ring you'd like to operate, and then tap the + or - buttons or slide your finger along the corresponding power bar to select the desired setting.
Many induction hobs feature a bridging zone which allows you to join two or more rings together to create one larger cooking area - ideal if you have larger saucepans that are too large to fit on separate rings. Some have a 'wok' setting that offers an additional source of heat for woks, while others have a 'free-standing' option which can be used on a flat, smooth worktop to save space.
Certain models come with an LCD display that shows the current power level of each ring while others feature an rotary or dial control that requires you to twist and push your fingers to alter the settings. You can also pick from a range of power outputs for each ring and some hobs come with an auto-restart feature that will return the appliance to the cooking mode after a brief time.