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 dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, 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 items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are Best place to buy oven and hob for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs uk suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
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 that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult 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 in a timely manner.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire 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 the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best ovens to hire a professional for the job. 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 it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.