How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions and features to match your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. 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 cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier 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 items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are hop over to this website for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and 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 a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.