Five Oven And Hob Lessons From The Pros

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models 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 surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that 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 are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best ovens for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and ovens, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly 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 on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hobs to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.