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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven with hob is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - 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 heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which one is best oven uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven uk function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look 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, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven uk and hob it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.