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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.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around 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 the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
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 essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. 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 settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed 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 with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring 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 the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a ovens and hobs junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.