Why Oven And Hob Is The Right Choice For You?
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with 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 regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked 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 typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that 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 flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference ovens and hobs in how easy it is to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common kind of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, 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 new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.