Types of Ovens and Hobs

The kind of cooker hob you select can have a significant impact on the amount of energy you use. There are a variety of hobs to suit your cooking needs and preferences:

Plate hobs are equipped with four distinct looking rings that act like hot plates with an electric coil under. They are quick to heat up 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 multiple oven cavities, as well as a range of grills and burners. They are popular alternatives to built in ovens and stoves. They are available in a range of sizes and sleek designs, which suit many kitchen styles.

Typically, available in gas or electric and electric versions, the one you select will depend on your cooking preferences and budget. Generally, dual fuel range cookers are the most popular as they offer the best of both worlds: gas hobs that warm up quickly and are simple to control alongside efficient electric ovens with more functions and settings.

Many range cookers come with an attractive storage drawer below the hob. This is great to keep baking tray and roasting dishes away from view. This drawer can also be used to store pots, stoneware and pans to make space in your cabinets. You can find cookers with an integrated sink that can help you cook food and will make cleaning a breeze.

Look for a range cook with a self-cleaning pyrolytic oven to cater for large parties or dinner gatherings. This feature is simple to use and makes use of high temperatures to break down leftover food residue. Then, it burns off at the surface and leaves an ashy residue which can be easily cleaned off.

Some models include an integrated grill, which is great to add a little crunch to baked meals. They can also be useful to fry up quick snacks like cheese on toast or crumpets.

Many range cookers come with powerful wok burners, which are perfect for those who love Asian food. There are cookers with separate hotplates and griddles for searing meat as well as griddling vegetables. Depending on the model you select, it may also have additional features such as an oven that is programmable with multi-function settings including base heat only or fan assisted, and even Rotisserie settings.

If you're looking for a stylish and contemporary design that doesn't take up a lot of space in your kitchen, check for a sleek stainless range cooker made of steel. You can pick from a variety of colours to match your cabinet doors, worktops and accessories. Some range cookers also have an integrated vent that can help extract cooking odours to create a clean and fresh 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 appearance. They are often installed at eye level, to allow you to be sure to watch your food preparation and avoid burns and other mishaps.

A high-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 they are maintained. To ensure that your oven is running as efficiently as possible, it's best to consult a professional technician to perform regular inspections and maintenance.

Built-in ovens can be found in various cooking modes such as convection and steam. These advanced features can take your kitchen to the next level, making cooking more efficient and convenient.

Built-in ovens can be paired with a hob that is integrated to make the perfect kitchen setup for your home. StovesAreUs offers a variety of premium hobs that match your kitchen's style and layout, whether you're seeking gas or electric hobs.

A double integrated, or built-in dual, oven provides the flexibility you need in your kitchen. They can be fitted at eye level or under counters, and feature a full sized multifunction or fan oven underneath an economy conventional oven with grill elements. Many double ovens come with additional storage, such as baking trays, roasting tins or catalytic lines which help to absorb grease, making it easier to clean.

A stylish, high-end and contemporary built-in range can add significant value to your home and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you decide to sell. However, the decision to purchase an appliance for your kitchen depends on your personal preferences and budget, as well as the layout of your kitchen.

All-in-one cookers

All-in-one cookware is the perfect solution for those who wish to have a single kitchen appliance that can perform all of the functions. Also known as multi-cookers, these multi-functional models combine the functions of a slow cooker rice cooker, pressure cooker, air fryer, sous vide equipment, and even food processor in one neat and tidy package.

They are ideal for making rich soups and risottos since they stir at the same time that they heat, helping to create that creamy texture. They can also be used to steam fish or vegetables. They are also excellent for making healthy yoghurt and smoothies. But, they're not suitable for cooking meats, such as a slow cooker or a pressure cooker.

The top all-in-one cookers have a range of settings which allow you to alter the cooking process to suit the ingredients you use and the method you prefer. This makes them an excellent option for those who want cooking more hands-free meals. The cheapest models will typically come with only basic features but there are more expensive models available that come with lots of extras.

All-in-one cookware is usually a freestanding appliance, so they take up more room than a combination of an oven and a stove. They come with two huge ovens, with a combined capacity of 60 litres. They also come with four or six hob rings as well as plates.

A new generation of all-in one cookers has taken the market by storm, offering a wide range of additional functions. Thermomix is one example. It is a combination of a food processor and a slow cooker into one device. This German-made appliance is able to chop, cook and mix and comes with a range of automatic programs, including heating sugar for frostings, cooking sous vide and making emulsifiers of foods such as bearnaise sauce. It's a good investment, however, at a price of more than $1500 it's not cheap.

The majority of people who purchase an all-in-one cooker will opt for a gas version because it will lower energy bills. This is because it is more efficient in heating than electric models that can be expensive to run. They are compatible with all types of pans, and a lot will come with a griddle option too.

Induction hobs

Induction hobs, as the name suggests, use 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 blends well with contemporary kitchens.

However, the technology is not without its flaws. Induction hobs need compatible cookware and are more difficult to clean than gas models. The magnetic induction field emits low-frequency electromagnetic waves in the kilohertz frequency range, which could be detrimental to health. This amount can be reduced by the minimum distance of five to ten centimetres and by making sure that only the appropriate pan is placed in an area that is active for cooking.

There are many types of induction hob available from various manufacturers, with different capacities and features. The most basic model offers four rings that can be operated independently, and the power levels can be adjusted using an easy control system. To select the desired setting make sure you tap the mark that indicates which ring you want to operate. Then, either press the + or buttons or move your finger across the corresponding "power bar".

A majority of induction cooktops come with the bridging zone, which allows you to join two or more rings together to create a larger cooking area - ideal when you have larger pans that can't be accommodated on individual rings. Some induction hobs feature a "wok" setting that gives additional heating power for woks. Others have an "free-standing" option that can be used to save space on an even, flat surface.

Certain models come with an LCD display that shows the current power level of each ring, while others have an rotary or dial control that requires you to twist and press your fingers to alter the settings. You can select from different power outputs per ring. Some hobs also come with an automatic restart function that will return the appliance to its previous cooking mode.