How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy 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 operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen 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 looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. 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 right for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. oven with hob is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked products and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They can be difficult 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.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be 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 an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure 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 get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial 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 lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.