How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Generally 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 can be cost-effective 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. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of
ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is 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.