How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. The open pits and best ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. 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 oven and fireplace.
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 uk became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob and oven 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 unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the 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 a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-best oven uk. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.