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.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens uk have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out the ones that are best hobs uk for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked products, and even custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an best oven uk with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and 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 and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once 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 erected, as well as 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, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best hobs uk to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.