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 a range of dimensions, features and styles to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. best ovens and hobs uk were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having 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 partly because the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on 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, giving your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.
Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked items, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.