How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat 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 were able to be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional 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 throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. best hob uk for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
best hob uk come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
To install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.