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 the sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They have 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 commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens and hobs uk can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - 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 to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to find out the ones that are best oven for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best hobs uk suits your needs and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit 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 could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob uk you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best oven uk to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.