Five Oven And Hob Lessons From The Professionals

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have 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 bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by 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, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

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

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as 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.

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 heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is right for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavor.

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven with hob and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs oven can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could 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 at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven 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 you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.