How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
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 control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens hobs had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to 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 settings which 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 taste and texture.
Most ovens come with 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 around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best hobs suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
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 as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.