7 Helpful Tricks To Making The Most Out Of Your Oven And Hob

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 have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for 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 and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best hobs uk suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs oven also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. 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.