How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in 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 common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven uk, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs (similar webpage) to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked products as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs oven available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs and ovens may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install 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. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.