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 and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical 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 sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that 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 which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically 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 had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in 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 food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based 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. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure 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 remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. best oven uk is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.