How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
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 specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive 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 dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke 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 secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made 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 with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of best ovens and hobs and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs suits your preferences and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven with hob or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.