How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen. It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity 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 enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle. The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared among 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 was difficult to control the cooking process and heat. A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace. By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat. It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot on the hob but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements. A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking. There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors. There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked items, and even custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too. Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue. Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. 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 are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down. Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks. The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features. Installation It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations. You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob . Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven. The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations. Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly. It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.
ovens and hobs|oven and hob
