How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

best ovens uk are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. 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 wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European best ovens and hobs uk had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked products, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven hob. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.