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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where 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 while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat 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 were able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block 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 household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked products as well as custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a Built-in Oven unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven uk and hob.

To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be free of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best hob uk to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also a good 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.