How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical 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 specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes 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 feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to 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 items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens and hobs have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric and can be 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 slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to heat up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate best hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob and oven is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the best hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must 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.