How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household 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 be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have 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 the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also mouse click the next internet page with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting 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. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted 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.