Oven And Hob Tools To Make Your Daily Life
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, best hob and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester 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.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.