How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated 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 capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens uk come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use since they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have 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 dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen Essentials, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven uk. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.