How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. 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 can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous 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.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during 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 oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products including 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 even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. ovensandhobs are usually large enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, 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 your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable 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 secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.