Oven And Hob Tools To Streamline Your Daily Life
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a 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, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared among 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 it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses 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 choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavors.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market 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 in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. This Resource site can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, 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 is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.