What Is The Reason Oven And Hob Is Right For You
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the 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 to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.