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.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens and hobs can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. 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 the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. 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.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked items as well as custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs uk suits your needs and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if 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 generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.