Five Oven And Hob Lessons From The Professionals

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob uk that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and best hob uk functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob uk that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern design that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.