Why Is It So Useful During COVID-19

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

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 meals since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a 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 not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best ovens uk for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, 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 save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is 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 to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs oven are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.