Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Oven And Hob
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks 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 the cooking process.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check Best ovens at home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.