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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, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks 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 to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant 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. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. 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 test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.
It is best hob to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.