How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were common 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 common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of food items. 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 a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as 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 prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. 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 the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven 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 regulations.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a 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. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After oven with hob has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.