How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen. Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle. The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process. A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found 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 become a standard feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles. It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot on the hob but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range. Functions The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you. A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you 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. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook. Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors. Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature. Types There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions. Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue. Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down. Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks. Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. best ovens and hobs uk are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function. Installation If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant 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. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven. To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly. If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
best ovens and hobs uk
