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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due 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 believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven 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. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also get more info important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. Then a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.