Why Oven And Hob Is The Right Choice For You?
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen. Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference 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 that allows food to be heated in the centre. The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages – they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it 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 reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace. By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles. It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot “on the hob” but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range. Functions Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best one for you. The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time. Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavors. There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items and even custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features. Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt. Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down. Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are placed on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned. The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features. Installation If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes. Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven. The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations. Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly. It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing Best place to buy oven and hob is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.