How Oven And Hob Became The Top Trend In Social Media

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many 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 can be switched off and on while an oven hob comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for 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 which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens have 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 a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the 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 bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens and hobs uk come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

It is best oven to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.