How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first best ovens and hobs uk were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best oven uk suited to your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design 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. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and 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 regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option 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.