The type of cooker hob that you choose can have a big impact on the amount of energy you use. There are a variety of hobs to meet your needs and cooking preferences:
Plate hobs come with four different looking rings that act like hot plates, with an electric coil under. They are quick to heat up and offer good heat distribution for flat-based pans.Cookers for the range
A range cooker is an oven and a hob that is a freestanding. It usually has multiple oven cavities, a variety of burners and grills. A popular alternative to stoves and ovens with built-ins They are available in various sizes and sleek designs that suit different kitchen styles.
The kind of range cooker you select will be based on your budget and the cooking requirements. Dual range cookers with fuel are preferred since they offer the best of both worlds: gas hobs that heat quickly, are easy-to-control and efficient electric ovens.
A lot of range cookers have an extra storage drawer under the hob. This is ideal to store baking trays or roasting dishes away from view. This drawer can also be used to store pots, stoneware, and pans, allowing you to reduce the space in your cabinets. You can find cookers that come with an integrated sink that can help you prepare food while cooking and also make cleaning easier.
Look for a range cook equipped with a self-cleaning pyrolytic cooktop if you cater for large parties or dinner parties. This feature is simple to use and uses high temperatures to break up leftover food particles. It then burns off on the surface, leaving an ashy layer that can simply be wiped off.
Some models have an integrated grill, which is great for adding a little extra crunch to oven-cooked meals. They are also great for quick snacks such as cheese on toast and crumpets.
Many range cookers come with powerful wok burners, which are perfect for those who enjoy Asian cuisine. There are cookers that have separate hotplates and griddles to cook meat and griddling vegetables. It is possible that the model you pick includes additional features, for instance a multi-function oven that has options like base heat only, fan assisted and even rotisserie.
Find a stainless-steel range cooker if your goal is an elegant, modern look in your kitchen that doesn't take up much space. They're available in a range of striking colors to match to your kitchen worktops, cabinet doors and other accessories. Some range cookers feature an integrated vent that can help eliminate cooking odours, resulting in 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, resulting in a seamless and customized look. They are usually placed at eye level so that you can watch your dishes and avoid accidents.
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 is recommended to talk with an experienced technician for routine inspections and maintenance to ensure that your oven is operating as efficiently as possible.
As well as offering a modern, sleek design, built-in ovens are available in a wide variety of cooking options, from steam to convection. These advanced features will improve your kitchen and make cooking simpler and more convenient.
Built-in ovens can be used with an integrated hob to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs stocks a wide selection of high-end hobs that match your kitchen's style and ovensandhobs layout, no matter if you're searching for gas or electric hobs.
A double-integrated oven, also known as a built-in dual oven allows for a variety of possibilities in your kitchen. They can be placed at eye level or beneath the counter, and come with an entire multifunction or fan over a smaller economy conventional with a grill element. A lot of double ovens have extra storage such as baking trays and roasting tins, or catalytic lines that are able to absorb grease for easier cleaning.
A high-quality, stylish and modern built-in range can add significant value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers should you decide to sell. The decision to buy a new appliance for your kitchen is ultimately down to personal taste budget, as well as the kitchen layout.
All-in-one cookers
If you want an appliance that can do it all, then look no further than an all-in-one cooker. 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 one neat and tidy package.
They are great for making rich soups and risottos because they stir while heating up to help create the creamy texture. They can also steam vegetables or fish, and they make great healthy smoothies and yogurt. They are not as good at browning meats as slow cookers or pressure cooker.
The best all-in-one cookers will have a variety of settings that let you tailor the cooking process to your specific ingredients and cooking method. They are a great choice for those who prefer cooking meals without the need to be involved. The cheapest models typically come with only basic features, however there are more expensive versions available that are packed full of additional features.
All-in-one cookware tends to be an appliance that is freestanding, which means they consume more space than an oven and a stove. They come with two ovens with a total capacity of about 60 litres, and six or four hob rings or plates, dependent on the model.
A new generation of all-in one cookers has entered the market, bringing a variety of additional functionality. For instance the Thermomix incorporates food processor and slow cooker functions into one. This German-made appliance is able to chop, cook, and knead and has a variety of automated programs, such as heating sugar to make frostings as well as cooking sous vide and making emulsifiers of foods such as bearnaise sauce. It's a great investment but, at more than $1500, it's not cheap.
Most people who purchase an all-in-one cookware will opt for a gas version since it can lower energy bills. It's heating up faster than electric models, which can be costly to run. They are compatible with all pans and many will have an option for griddles as well.
Hobs with induction
Like the name suggests, induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat cookware and directly cook food items directly. This minimises the transfer of energy to the cooking surface, thus reducing energy consumption, and makes the appliances safe to handle without retaining heat. They also have a sleek and modern design that blends well with modern kitchens.
The technology comes with its own drawbacks. Induction hobs aren't as easy to clean like gas models and require cookware that is compatible. The magnetic induction field emits low-frequency electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency band, which could be detrimental to health. This amount can be reduced by a minimum distance of five to ten centimetres and by making sure that only the proper pan is placed on an active cooking zone.
Different manufacturers offer various types of induction hobs, each with different capacities. The most basic model has four rings that can be operated independently and the power levels can be adjusted using an easy control system. Make sure to touch the mark that represents the ring you'd like to operate, then tap the + or - buttons or slide your finger across the power bar to select the required setting.
Induction hobs typically have a bridging space that allows you to connect two or more rings to create a larger cooking area. This is ideal if your larger saucepans don't fit into individual rings. Some induction hobs have a "wok" setting that gives an additional source of heat for woks. Other models offer the "free-standing" option that can be used to free up space on a flat, smooth surface.
Certain models come with 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 push your fingers to adjust the settings. You can choose between various power outputs for each ring. Some hobs also come with an automatic restart function that can bring the appliance back to its previous cooking mode.
