How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine the
best oven one for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically 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 ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction.
induction hob hobs oven are a little more expensive to purchase, but 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 do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas
hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.