How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. The 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 they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
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. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses 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 which one is best hobs for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth 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 save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire 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 installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.