How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to match 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 economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven with hob is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven hob has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the 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 items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out which one is best ovens and hobs uk suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens and hobs uk work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven (Going in tang-curtis.mdwrite.net). These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.