How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens and hobs uk had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor 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 makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens hobs, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors.
There are ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked products, and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas Hob And Oven (Csport.Ru), it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.