How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple 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 kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner 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 which contained a fire to cook 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 could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven hob and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. 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 that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which one is Best ovens and Hobs uk suited to your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens and hobs uk come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile 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 set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It's best ovens and hobs to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.