How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which 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, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid 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 develop flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
hobs oven are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, 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 essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lifted into 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 confirm that it is working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. 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 by Part F of the Building Regulations.
