How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food 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 because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut 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 centuries. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar 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 according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use since they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. have a peek at these guys needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.