How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs and ovens are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens uk can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during 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 oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that 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 efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens uk have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven hob. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate 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. Next a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.