How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with 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 around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hob s are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since 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 may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good 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 Building Regulations.