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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven hob or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to 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 make cooking 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. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your requirements.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.