How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat 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. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In Best place to buy oven and hob is located by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
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 control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes 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 were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler 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 mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. 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 that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into 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 many types of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
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 have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.