How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen<br /><br />Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.<br /><br />It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.<br /><br />Origins<br /><br />Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items 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 comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.<br /><br /><a href="https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/3359959/home/15-up-and-coming-best-hobs-bloggers-you-need-to-keep-an-eye-on">best hob uk</a> were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking 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 came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.<br /><br />A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.<br /><br /><br /><br />By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.<br /><br />In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.<br /><br />Functions<br /><br />Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.<br /><br />Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is best for you.<br /><br />A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.<br /><br />Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.<br /><br />There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.<br /><br />Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.<br /><br />Types<br /><br />There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.<br /><br />Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.<br /><br />Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.<br /><br />Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.<br /><br />The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.<br /><br />Installation<br /><br />It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.<br /><br />Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.<br /><br />The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.<br /><br />Once electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.<br /><br />It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase 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.<br /><br />