10 Unexpected Oven And Hob Tips

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items 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 huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

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

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture 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 over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

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

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful 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 save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's 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 depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in many different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools available. 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.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is 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.

Once the electrical connections have been completed, the oven uk and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best ovens and hobs uk to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.