Oven And Hob Tools To Enhance Your Day-To-Day Life

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make 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 with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known 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 easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

ovens uk have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at 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 come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, hobs then turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and ovens and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When selecting 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 additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven 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 codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent 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.