How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen. Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle. The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by 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 as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat. The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven. By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles. It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot on the hob, but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements. The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking. There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours. There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature. Types There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features. ovens and hobs uk are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt. best ovens and hobs uk are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down. Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks. The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features. Installation If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations. You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob. The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations. Once electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly. It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
ovens and hobs uk|best ovens and hobs uk