Your Family Will Thank You For Having This Oven And Hob
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook 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 could easily be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages 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 heat and the cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make 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 area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-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 a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional 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 oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines 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 inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also stay here cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing 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
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.