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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.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs and ovens are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which 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 choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then 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 to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install 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 and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or best hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best ovens to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.