"A Guide To Oven And Hob In 2024
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
ovens hobs are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These 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 partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save 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, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they will take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be 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 are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven (https://championsleage.review/wiki/Hob_Its_Not_As_Expensive_As_You_Think). Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase 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.