Oven And Hob 101"The Complete" Guide For Beginners

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions and features to match your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing 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 bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive 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 since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

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

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs oven and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

It is Best place to buy oven and hob to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.