How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered 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 many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens 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. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. www.ovensandhobs.uk must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.