How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked goods as well as custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various 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 an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
If you're installing an oven or www.ovensandhobs.uk hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.