The Little-Known Benefits Of Oven And Hob

How to Choose the Right Oven and hob uk for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked 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 used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

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

In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine the best one for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.