What Experts Say You Should Know
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned 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 constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. best hobs is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if unfamiliar 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 make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.