How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. best oven 's particularly helpful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of 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.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.