What Experts In The Field Want You To Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and features to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to 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 included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is right for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the best oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fast to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best oven uk to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric best oven uk, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.