How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. best hob were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste 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 uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like 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% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavours.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.