10 Things People Get Wrong About Oven And Hob

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new best hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

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 models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were used 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 to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and 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 flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

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

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

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction best hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs oven are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.