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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven with hob and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens and hobs uk were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options 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 simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste 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 that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked items, and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so be 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 features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.