Your Family Will Thank You For Getting This Oven And Hob

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best hob suited to your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek modern design that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to 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. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.