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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens and hobs can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded 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. They were found in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best ovens for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven uk, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs oven are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little 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 are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.