How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. 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 oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats 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 better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and ovensandhobs.uk roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most 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.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.