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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, these 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 use best ovens and hobs uk that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, 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 make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

It is best hob to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.