15 Unexpected Facts About Oven And Hob You Didn't Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob uk, where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a 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.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs uk are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.