How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. 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. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs (official www.northwestu.edu blog) to pick from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob uk that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs oven come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven or 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 ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.