How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They usually have burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple 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 the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.