Types of Ovens and Hobs
The type of cooker hob you select can have a significant impact on the amount of energy you'll use. There are many types to suit your needs and cooking preferences:
Plate hobs are four rings that appear like hot plates but contain an electric coil under. They are hot and warm quickly and provide excellent heat distribution to flat-based pans.
Cookers for the range
A range cooker is an oven and a hob that is freestanding. It usually has multiple oven cavities, as well as a range of grills and burners. They are a popular alternative to built-in ovens and stoves. They come in a range of sizes and sleek designs which suit many 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 the most popular because they provide the best of both worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly and are easy to control as well as powerful electric ovens that have more functions and settings.
Many range cookers come with a storage drawer below the hob. This is ideal for storing baking trays and roasting dishes away from view. This drawer can also be an ideal place to store pots, pans and stoneware to free up space in your cupboards. You can find cookers with an integrated sink, which will allow you to cook food and make cleaning easier.
If you're catering to large numbers or host dinner parties, check for a range cooktop with a pyrolytic self-cleaning oven. This feature is extremely simple to use, and it makes use of high temperatures to break down leftover food particles. It then burns off at the surface to leave a light ash that is easily cleaned away.
Some models include an integrated grill, which is great to add a bit of crunch to baked meals. They are also great for frying up snack foods that are quick like crumpets or cheese on toast.
Range cookers are often fitted with an efficient wok burner, which can be a huge benefit for those who love Asian inspired cuisine. You can find cookers with separate hotplates for searing meat or grilling vegetables. You may also find that the model you pick comes with additional features, for instance 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 modern design that won't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, you should look out for an elegant stainless range cooker made of stainless steel. They are available in a variety of eye-catching colours to match to your counters, cabinets doors and accessories. Some range cookers have built-in vents that help extract cooking odours to create a clean and fresh kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in wall oven is designed to blend with your kitchen cabinetry, or wall, for a seamless look. They are often installed at eye level, to allow you to keep an eye on your food preparation and avoid burns and other mishaps.
A high-end, energy-efficient built-in oven may last 15 years or more. Their lifespan varies based on how frequently they are used and how they are maintained. It's recommended to consult with an experienced technician for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure your oven is running as efficiently as it can.
As well as offering a sleek, modern appearance, built-in ovens can be found with a range of cooking options, from convection to steam. These advanced features will improve your kitchen and make cooking easier and more efficient.
Built-in ovens can be paired with an integrated hob to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. If you're in search of electric or gas-powered hobs StovesAreUs has a wide selection of high-end hobs to fit your kitchen's layout and design.
A double integrated or built-in dual oven provides a lot of flexibility in the kitchen. They can be placed on the eye level or under the counter, and come with an entire multifunction or fan over a smaller, more economical traditional oven, with grill element. Many double ovens come with additional storage options like baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic lines that absorb grease for easier cleaning.
Having a high-quality, modern and fashionable built-in oven can add significant value to your home and make it more attractive for potential buyers should you decide to sell in the future. However, the decision to purchase an appliance for your kitchen is based on your personal preferences and budget as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you want an appliance for your kitchen that can do everything you need, you should consider an all-in-one cookware. Multi-cookers are also referred to as multi-cookers. They combine the functions of a rice cooker slow cooker air fryer, pressure cook and sous vide machine in one compact unit.
They are ideal for making rich soups and risottos since they stir while that they heat, which helps to create that creamy texture. They can also steam vegetables or fish, and they are great for making healthy smoothies and yoghurt. But, they're not good for browning meats like a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.
The top all-in-one cookers have a range of settings that let you adapt the cooking process to your specific ingredients and cooking method. They are a good option for those who want to cook meals without the need to be involved. The cheapest models are typically equipped with the most basic features however there are more expensive models that come with a lot of extras.
All-in-one cookers are typically freestanding, which means they consume more space than an oven and a hob combined. They have two large ovens with a total capacity of 60 litres. They also have six or four hob rings or plates, according to the model.
A new generation of all in one cookers has entered the market, providing an array of additional functions. For example the Thermomix is a food processor that combines slow cooker functions into one. The German-made appliance can chop, cook and knead and has a variety of programs that are automated, such as heating sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide and emulsifying foods like bearnaise sauce. It's a good investment, however, at more than $1500, it isn't cheap.
Gas is the most sought-after option for people who want to buy an all-in one cooker. It can save them money on their energy costs. It's heating up faster than electric models which can be costly to run. They are compatible with all types of pans and some will include a griddle option too.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, use electromagnetic induction technology to directly heat cookware and cook food directly. This reduces energy use and the amount of heat that is transferred to the cooking surface. They also are sleek and modern in look that integrates well into modern kitchens.
However the technology isn't without its drawbacks. Induction hobs aren't as easy to clean like gas models, and they require cookware that is compatible. The magnetic field emits low-level electromagnetic radiation at frequencies within the kilohertz band that can cause harm to the human body. This radiation level can be reduced by placing the pot at the distance between five and ten centimetres of the cooking zone active.
There are several types of induction hob available from various manufacturers, with different capacities and features. The basic model has four rings that can each be operated separately. The power levels can be adjusted with a simple control. To select the setting you want, press the mark that represents the ring you wish to use. Then, either press the + or - buttons or move your finger along the corresponding "power bar".
A majority of induction cooktops come with an 'bridging' zone that allows you to join two or more rings together to create a larger cooking area - ideal when you have larger pans that don't fit on individual rings. Some induction hobs have an "wok" setting which provides extra heating power for woks. Other models come with a "free-standing" option that can be used to conserve space on the flat, smooth surface.
Some models have a digital display that displays the current power level of each ring while others have the option of a dial or rotary control that requires you to twist and move your fingers to alter the settings. You can also pick from a variety of power outputs for each ring and some hobs feature an auto-restart feature which will bring the appliance back to the previously set cooking mode after a short time.