How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
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 as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the
hob uk", but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The
oven hob functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor 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 which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of
ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is
best hobs uk suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of 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 much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavours.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of
ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit.
