How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions 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 were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate 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 manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven hob and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens uk, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that Best place to buy oven and hob suits your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven [he has a good point]. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.