How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen. Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle. The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used 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 that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household 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 had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles. In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest placing the pan on the hob. However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range. Functions The oven functions, also referred to 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 more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture. Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best for you. A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking. There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors. There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked products and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected. Types There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with dirt. 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 gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly. Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks. The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function. Installation It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations. You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven. In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. best ovens and hobs uk should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly. If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
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