How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven hob or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
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 is an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas 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 cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven with hob or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven uk. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.