5 Oven And Hob Projects For Every Budget
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.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional 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 the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain 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 char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked products as well as custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven with hob, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.