How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen<br /><br />We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.<br /><br />The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.<br /><br />Origins<br /><br />Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the center.<br /><br />The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.<br /><br />A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.<br /><br />By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.<br /><br />It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.<br /><br />Functions<br /><br />Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.<br /><br />Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.<br /><br />A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.<br /><br />Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.<br /><br />There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. <a href="https://www.ovensandhobs.uk/">Best ovens UK</a> helps your food to develop great flavor.<br /><br />Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.<br /><br />Types<br /><br />There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.<br /><br />Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.<br /><br />Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.<br /><br />Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.<br /><br />The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large 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.<br /><br />Installation<br /><br /><br /><br />It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.<br /><br />You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.<br /><br />In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.<br /><br />Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.<br /><br />If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed 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.<br /><br />