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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it 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 the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term 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

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

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven hob for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select 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 common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric best hobs uk come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one 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 the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob (online) first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your 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 best oven to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.