How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found with Ovens & Hobs that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas 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 have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones 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 can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure 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 remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.