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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with 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 more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. 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 are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy 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 come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool here to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand 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 properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.