Oven And Hob Tools To Streamline Your Everyday Life
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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions 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 constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout 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 determine the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use 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 and ensure that it's operating best hobs uk correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.