How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages 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 secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have 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 throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. 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, baked goods as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. hobs uk include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get 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.