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How to Choose the Right Oven and hob and oven for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - 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 control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens and hobs come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven uk and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs and ovens, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. 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 hob to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.