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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However best ovens uk can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area 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 feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also 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. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best ovens and hobs uk for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you 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, giving your food an amazing char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items as well as custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs uk can be slightly 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 relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs and ovens are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and the 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 line with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the best oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.