How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. 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's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
The majority of best ovens and hobs uk have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.
A fan-powered oven hob is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven uk. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.