Why Oven And Hob Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which 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 and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. The open pits and best ovens and hobs uk had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely 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 the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
oven uk functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker 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 one is best hob suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven hob and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large 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
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.