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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 dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-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 more secure and efficient for people to cook 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 casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven hob's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and ovens, and they can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs and ovens are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. 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 the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the best oven uk or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI registered 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 help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.