Oven And Hob 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing 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 utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where 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 off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first best ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that 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 came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the 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 the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other best oven uk functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods as well as custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven hob or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.