How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook 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 could easily be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.
There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods as well as custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted 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. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. 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.