See What Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven hob is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down 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 food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to preheat 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 induction and ceramic. Induction hobs oven are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. 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 accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. 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 supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.