How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob uk that is new, we've got a range of dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven with hob is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These 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, as well as having 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 essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens uk have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all 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 they are not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the 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 codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
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 an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.