What Is Oven And Hob And Why Is Everyone Speakin About It

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

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 capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven hob, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven hob is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring 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 correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven hob. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.