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 kinds to fit your cooking preferences and requirements:
Plate hobs are four rings that appear like hot plates but contain an electric coil under. They heat quickly and provide good heat distribution for flat-based pans.
Range cookers
A range cooker is a freestanding oven and a hob that usually includes multiple oven cavities as well as a selection of burners including usually a grill. A popular alternative to stoves and ovens that are built-in, they come in a variety of sizes and sleek designs that fit different kitchen styles.
Typically available in gas or electric and electric versions, the one you select will depend on your cooking preferences and budget. Dual range cookers with fuel tend to be preferred because they bring the best of both worlds: gas hobs which are quick to heat up, are easy-to-control and efficient electric ovens.
Many range cookers also feature an easy storage draw beneath the hob, which is ideal to keep baking dishes and roasting trays away from view. This drawer can also be used to store stoneware, pots and pans so that you can make space in your cabinets. There are also cookers that come with a sink to assist you in juggling food preparation while cooking and make cleaning up a breeze.
Choose a range cooker equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic cooktop to cater for large groups or host dinner gatherings. This feature is super easy to use, and it uses high temperatures to break up leftover food debris. The residue is then burned off on the surface, leaving lighter Ash.
Some models also include a handy integrated grill that's perfect for spicing up oven cooked meals and adding that extra crunch. They are excellent for making quick snacks like cheese on toast or crumpets.
Many range cookers come with powerful wok burners, which are perfect for those who love Asian cuisine. There are cookers with separate hotplates for searing meat and griddling vegetables. You may also find that the model you choose comes with additional features, such as a multi-function oven that has options like base heat only, fan assisted, and even rotisserie.
If you're looking for a chic and modern design that won't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, look out for a sleek stainless range cooker made of stainless steel. You can choose from a range of colors to match the cabinet doors, countertops and other kitchen accessories. Some range cookers have an integrated vent to help remove cooking odours, creating a fresh and clean kitchen.
Built-in ovens
A built-in oven (also called wall oven) is designed to be integrated into your kitchen cabinetry or a wall, giving a seamless and unique appearance. 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, energy-efficient built-in oven can last for 15 years or longer. Their lifespan is contingent on how frequently they are used and how they are maintained. It is recommended to speak with a professional technician for routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that your oven is working optimally.
Built-in ovens come in a variety of cooking modes that include convection and steam. These modern features can take your kitchen to a new level, making your cooking easier and more convenient.
Built-in ovens can be paired with a built-in hob to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. Whether you're looking for a gas or electric hob StovesAreUs provides a broad range of premium hobs to fit your kitchen's layout and design.
A double integrated or built-in dual oven offers many options in the kitchen. They can be installed at eye level or under a counter and feature an entire multifunction or fan over a smaller, more economical conventional oven with grill elements. There are many double ovens available with additional storage spaces such as baking trays, roasting tins or catalytic liners that soak up grease to make cleaning your oven a lot simpler.
A high-quality, stylish and contemporary built-in range can bring value to a home and make it more attractive prospective buyers should you decide to sell. However, the decision to invest in an appliance for your kitchen is based on your personal preferences and budget as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
All-in-one cookware is the perfect solution for those who want 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 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, because they stir while heating up to help create that creamy texture. They can also steam vegetables or fish, and they are great for making healthy smoothies and yoghurt. However, they are not suitable for cooking meats, such 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 your ingredients and method. They are a great option for those who like cooking meals without the need to be involved. The most affordable 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 usually freestanding, meaning that they take up more space than an oven and a hob combined. They have two ovens with a total capacity of about 60 litres and either six or four plates or hob rings, dependent on the model.
A new generation of all-in-one cookers has gained popularity and offers a variety of additional functions. For instance, the Thermomix combines food processor and slow cooker functions into one. This German-made appliance can chop and cook as well as mix. It has a number of programs that are automated, including the heating of sugar for frostings as well as cooking sous vide. It's a great investment, but at more than $1500, it's not inexpensive.
The majority of people who purchase an all-in-one cookware will prefer a gas model because it will lower energy bills. This is due to the fact that it heats up quicker than electric models that can be expensive to run. All kinds of pans work with them, and many also come with a grid.
Induction hobs
Induction hobs, as the name suggests, use electromagnetic induction technology to heat cookware directly and cook food. This minimises the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, reducing energy consumption, and makes the appliances safe to handle with no residual heat. They also have a sleek and contemporary appearance that blends well with modern kitchens.
The technology has its own disadvantages. Induction hobs require compatible cookware and are more difficult to clean than gas models. The magnetic induction field also emits low-level electromagnetic radiation at frequencies within the kilohertz band which can be harmful to human health. This amount can be reduced by the minimum distance of five to ten centimetres and by ensuring that only the proper pan is placed on an active cooking zone.
Different manufacturers offer different types of induction hobs, each with different capacities. The simplest model comes with four separate rings that can be operated independently, and the power levels can be adjusted by using an easy control system. To select the setting you wish to use simply touch the mark that represents which ring you want to operate. Then either press the + or buttons or move your fingers across the corresponding "power bar".
Induction hobs typically have a bridging space that allows you to connect two or more rings to create a larger cooking area. This is a great option for larger pots that don't fit into individual rings. Certain induction hobs come with the "wok" setting that gives extra heating power for woks. Other models have the "free-standing" option that can be used to free up space on the flat, smooth surface.
Some models have a digital display which shows 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 adjust the settings. You can also pick from a variety of power outputs for each ring and some hobs come with an auto-restart function which will return the appliance to its previously selected cooking mode after a short time.