How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions and features 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 are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are generally 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 charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and www.ovensandhobs.uk mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavors.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase, but 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 can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line 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 employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.