How to Choose the Right
Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an
oven hob has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is
best hobs for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some
ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas
hobs uk are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require 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. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions.