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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-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 a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to 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 items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best ovens for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. 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 a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making 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, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an best oven uk, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, 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 a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.