How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat 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 in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner 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 had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. 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 known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. why not try here are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens have 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 for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked products as well as custards. This function is activated by placing water into the oven 's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new 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 the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.