How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot 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 the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
try here have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove 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. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.