How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
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 capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven uk and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide the best ovens and hobs one for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best oven to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.