How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that 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 middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to 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 the cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However it 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 unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as 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 the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are ovens and hobs for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
There are ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a 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. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
oven hob is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so make 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 to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, 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 assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.