How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen


Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions, 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. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages 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 shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavor.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since 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. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. hobs uk are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand 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 do best hob uk , locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.