Oven And Hob Tools To Improve Your Everyday Life
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of 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 will recommend placing a 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, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which 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 taste 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 which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.
Some ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products, and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing 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 that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do oven uk , find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
