How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple 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 run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that 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 flavour 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 for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be Ovens & Hobs to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.