10 Oven And Hob Tips All Experts Recommend

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since 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

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

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help 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 to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into 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 many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they do not 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 electrically powered on an even surface. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

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

You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to 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. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven (More Bonuses), it's best oven uk to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.