15 Shocking Facts About Oven And Hob You Didn’t Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you’re in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and features to fit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot «on the hob», but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it’s crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It’s particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven’s temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they don’t always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren’t easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or 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 properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you’ll need all the required supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it’s in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it’s working correctly.

If you’re installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it’s a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn’t as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It’s also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don’t have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.