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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst 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 control the cooking process and heat.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best hobs uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob uk on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, hob featuring an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, hob 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. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

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

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

It's best hobs uk to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.