See What Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing
How to Choose the Right oven and hob (click) for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven with hob.
By the middle of the 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 essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. 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 known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs and ovens, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best ovens to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.