Lonnie Cundiff

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for stove top. 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 referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode 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 air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob 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 is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob and oven only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern design that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob [Ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk] you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider 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 Building Regulations.