How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first best ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order 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 were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine the best hobs uk one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as 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% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate best hobs uk are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of 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 in a timely manner.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.