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, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 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 much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how 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 flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Picking the one that best hobs suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a 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. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need 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.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob uk can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating 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 a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.