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 dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. 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 many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households 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 middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob uk", but this can be misleading since hob is actually a 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 the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and Hob (iblog.iup.Edu) functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. 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 creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven uk, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best hob to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.