5 Oven And Hob Lessons From The Pros

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are 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 around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and hob and oven mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, Hob and oven and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven with hob is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked 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 come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs and ovens can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob uk only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven 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 experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.