How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
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 for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, these 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 it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, 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 depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs uk are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting 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 handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine 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 take out any old appliances. To accomplish 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 must be clear of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant 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 uk to confirm that it is operating properly.
It's best hobs to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.