The Unknown Benefits Of Oven And Hob
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles 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 may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However Best ovens could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.
Types
There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. However, they do not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety standards.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.