How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst 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, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and hobs and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.

There are also some best ovens uk that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven hob and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob (my homepage) that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat 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 on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.