A How-To Guide For Oven And Hob From Start To Finish
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen 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 to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food 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 emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since 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're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors.
There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. best ovens and hobs uk 's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple 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 can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most 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 commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.