How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove 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 that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks 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 they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
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 make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek modern design that will look sleek and match 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 they are not properly cleaned.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.