How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally 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 wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat 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 constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
hobs uk have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like 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 that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.