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 the sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes 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 feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for stove top. hobs and ovens is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods as well as custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and 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 costs. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as 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.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
It may be worth hiring 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 properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning 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 at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts 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. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed 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.