Oven And Hob Strategies From The Top In The Industry
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat 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. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known 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 easier and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. best hob offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are best oven uk for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal 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 is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're installing a 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 correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.