How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs oven feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove 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 which heats food in the middle.
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 as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes 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 were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than 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 styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
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 (a cool way to improve) that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven uk or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob uk to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best ovens and hobs uk to 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 registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.