How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, crisp 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.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven 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 environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
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 and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.