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 and features to match your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They 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, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also 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 come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as 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 prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. best ovens and hobs uk as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. 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 working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best to employ 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 it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.