A The Complete Guide To Oven And Hob From Start To Finish

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They’re good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages – they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot “on the hob” however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you’re unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven’s functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven’s heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it’s crucial to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It’s especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are 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 are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family’s size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you’re planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it’s worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you’ll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it’s level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you’re installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it’s a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn’t as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It’s also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted 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.