Oven And Hob Tips From The Best In The Business
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast 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 powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for 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 not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. 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 an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. ovens and hobs uk will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.