How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs uk can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, 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 mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs uk for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place 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. Next the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is 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.