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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate best hobs uk feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of 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 and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen 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 feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven with hob was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. 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 oven for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing 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 mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs oven and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best oven to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.