How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. These ovens (experienced) were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between 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 the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven with hob's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best ovens uk for your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly 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 regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered 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 flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best ovens and hobs to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. 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.