How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to 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, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in best ovens uk that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that 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 ovens and hobs - Full Survey, to choose from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs oven can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and 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 job. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.