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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether 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 can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They 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, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven uk functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven hob's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat 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, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.