How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match 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 are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, Suggested Resource site and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. best hobs uk may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.