How A Weekly Oven And Hob Project Can Change Your Life
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households that had 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 partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. 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.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of 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 in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing 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. hobs uk are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and that your 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 you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. advice here must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.