“A Guide To Oven And Hob In 2024
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen. Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use 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 distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre. The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. Ovens And Hobs were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process. A solution was found with 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 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. In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat. It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot “on the hob” but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture. Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you. A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time. Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked 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 verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors. Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too. Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue. Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly. Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly. Single ovens that are built-in are the most common kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions. Installation If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. 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 ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards. You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob. The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly. If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.