Herbert Printz

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

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 meals since they were quite adept 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 drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens and hobs are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven hob, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're installing 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 correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.