How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate
hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. 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 options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine which one is
best hobs uk suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with 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 identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. This function is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of
oven with hob and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric
oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.