In Which Location To Research Oven And Hob Online
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 can be simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. 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 popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find best ovens and hobs or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.