Dee Rousseau

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces 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 roast and bake food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

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

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens and hobs uk are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs uk also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs and ovens are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing 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 your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.