How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens and hobs had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine the best oven one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and 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 great flavours.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs uk are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also best ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven (supplemental resources). Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.