What Experts In The Field Want You To Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. In general, they are 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 enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens 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.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

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

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked products, and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

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 remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best ovens to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven with hob and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.