How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used 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 be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items 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 while an oven with hob comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order 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 were also able to be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is right for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent 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 develop flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs uk available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate best hobs uk, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern look that looks sleek and complement most 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 they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens and hobs are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven uk. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, 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 assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.