How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order 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 could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and 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 vegetables, poultry, baked products as well as custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly 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 can heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. go right here can be difficult 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.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must 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.
Once the electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.