How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate
hobs uk feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used for
baking Essentials bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
Most
ovens and hobs uk come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas
hobs oven are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts 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 needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position.