How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in 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. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy 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 popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. hobs oven is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include 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 can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven .
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.