How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
oven hob functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some best ovens uk come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas best ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clear of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also 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.