How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
ovens and hobs are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. 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. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of ovens and hobs and ovens to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best hob uk for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.
There are ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established 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 secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good 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 the Building Regulations.