How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
best ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores however ovens uk can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous 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 included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom 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, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some best ovens uk come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce 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 come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate best hobs uk are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. 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 ensure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.