How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous 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 found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as 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.
Read Homepage , also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products as well as custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models 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 with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. 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 best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.