How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which 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 typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan 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 essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked products, and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections are completed, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.