How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving 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 better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on 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 have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked products and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. best oven is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.