Why Is It So Useful In COVID-19

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which one is best ovens suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate best hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used kind of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens 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 may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the best hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also a good 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.