How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have 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 commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. Best place to buy oven and hob and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving 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 have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hob s, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if 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 at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a 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 installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.