What Is Oven And Hob And Why Is Everyone Speakin’ About It?

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you’re looking for an oven or a new hob, we’ve got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some 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, where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

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

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 to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing the pot “on the hob” however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven’s heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it’s essential to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It’s particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It’s perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. Using this function is as easy 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.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don’t get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family’s size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a 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. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you’ll need all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it’s flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you’re planning to install a gas oven and hob it’s best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn’t as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.