How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the best oven uk coincided with the changes in cooking style 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 the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven'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 the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out the ones that are best oven for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the best oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many types of oven hob and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose 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 an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.