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 dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to 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 more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best oven suits your needs and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are positioned under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It is best hob uk to employ a professional to install a gas hob uk and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.