How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of best ovens and hobs and hobs to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked goods, and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs (similar web site) available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas best hobs uk are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option 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.