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, features and styles to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. ovens uk are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In speaking of of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food 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 massive 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 relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 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 in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also Recommended Reading with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. 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 be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.