What Experts From The Field Want You To Know
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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and 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 essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens come with 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 air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions more info that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavor.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as 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 popular type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.