How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to match your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. 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 included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the best oven uk's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is best hob uk for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven hob. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked products and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many ovens and best hobs uk that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including 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 an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. 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 choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed 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.