Your Family Will Be Grateful For Getting This Oven And Hob

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens hobs can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during 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.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option 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 ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs oven and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with 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 these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

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

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.