What Is The Best Place To Research Oven And Hob Online
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook 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 in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant 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 heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in 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 control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes 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 be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate 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, baked items and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
ovens hobs with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in ovens hobs or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.