Why Oven And Hob Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner 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 structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens hobs and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

To put in an oven and hob uk that are new first, you must remove the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and 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 make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

It's best hobs uk to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.