How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook 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. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of 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 heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area 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 element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an best oven uk rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of Cooking efficiency techniques and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order 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 important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas best ovens and hobs uk are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs and ovens come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs and ovens are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of 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 they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.