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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes 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 like charcoal or wood. In a lot of 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 has 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 centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - 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 cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

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

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best ovens uk one for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs uk can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and match the majority of 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.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the 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 regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

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

It is best ovens to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.