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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain 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 that food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual 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 British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which one is best oven uk suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in 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 a variety of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility 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 ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. However, they don't always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven with hob and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens and hobs uk with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came 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 make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.