15 Amazing Facts About Oven And Hob That You'd Never Been Educated About

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

A solution was found using 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. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The  oven   functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which 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 the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods as well as custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing 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. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.