How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob uk is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens hobs had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's 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 allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens and hobs uk have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
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. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Then the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.