How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature 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 in homes across the world. They are generally 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 wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked goods and even custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of
ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in most kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fast to heat up. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. 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 can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
