The Top Oven And Hob Gurus Are Doing 3 Things

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs uk on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs uk are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.