How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens and hobs uk were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: 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 cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design 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 to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. 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.