How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the best oven uk is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks 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 capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine the best hob one for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized 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 much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be 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, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most common type 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 meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob uk and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.