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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally 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, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook with 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 in part with changes in cooking methods 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 the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and best hob uk functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Some best ovens and hobs come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor 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 alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the best hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.