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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, 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 decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best oven uk suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavors.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs uk are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat up 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 are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. 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 cleaned in a timely manner.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big 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 could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment 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 supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Then the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
It's best ovens and hobs uk to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.