How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
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 manage. 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, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used 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's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit 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, making them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.