How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain
ovens hobs have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked goods, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction
hobs uk can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and Oven (
shoortmedia.com). Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas
hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.