What Oven And Hob Experts Want You To Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: 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 cooking process and heat.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household 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 common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven uk was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. 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 to give your food an amazing char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven uk 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 popular choice. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line 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 a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.