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 have a variety of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is 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 quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By Best ovens of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, 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, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. 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 the grill or steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.