What Experts In The Field Would Like You To Know
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, Hobs they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an best oven uk than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. 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 options which control the way that oven's heating elements and 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.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more 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 find out which ones are right for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.