How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design 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 an 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 best for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked products as well as custards. This function is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new appliance is safe for use. hobs uk licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must 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.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.