How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove 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 off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive 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 relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention 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 suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which one is best oven uk suited to your requirements.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. 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 come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best oven suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design 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 may leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
To put in an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.