How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to fit your 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 can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour 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 makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is right for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
hobs and ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hob s that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use since they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.