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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive 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 held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), 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 blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or hob cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
ovens uk come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best ovens for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect 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 has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent 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 food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven hob's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process 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 remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best oven to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.