How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using 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 control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven hob was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. 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 options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode 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 to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which one is best hobs suited to your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for all 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 commonly used type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. 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. There are also ovens uk with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.