How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An best oven uk is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in wealthy households that had 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 essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to 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 help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best oven uk suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the best oven uk. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.