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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively 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. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types 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 such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens and hobs are a common option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can 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 type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob (click the following document).

To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's 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 straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.