What Oven And Hob Will Be Your Next Big Obsession

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

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

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which one is best hob uk suited to your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in most kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared 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 as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

It's best ovens uk to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. 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 Part F of the Building Regulations.