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.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best oven suited to your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of 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 dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven (https://rush-mcintosh-3.technetbloggers.de/why-hobs-uk-is-a-lot-more-hazardous-than-You-thought/). Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven with hob or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.