10 Healthy Oven And Hob Habits

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 styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs oven are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products 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 typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut 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. They were found in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best hobs uk for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are 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 a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a 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 correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted 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.