If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that 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 also preserving the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different 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 meals. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, 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 in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections are completed, the oven and hob can be moved 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 flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
