How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had 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 keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavor.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. best hob must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.