Ten Ways To Build Your Oven And Hob Empire

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen Essentials.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs and ovens have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste 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 and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best oven for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction best hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire 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 that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

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 like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.