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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best hob for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with hob with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked items, and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs 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 slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.