How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture 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 a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that 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 flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items and even custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. best ovens and hobs uk come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens . When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.