Is There A Place To Research Oven And Hob Online
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven 's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are 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 maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.