How to Choose the Right best oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven hob is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These 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 fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs uk for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. 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 type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are best ovens and hobs uk that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
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. 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 can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.