How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens and hobs uk (similar web-site) had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide the best hob one for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best hobs uk suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as 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 warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
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 your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired 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 ensure it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.