How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen. It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run. Origins Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle. The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace. By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles. In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan on the hob. However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range. Functions The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture. The majority of ovens have a traditional 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 around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you. The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time. Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings 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 atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor. 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 feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select. Types There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions. Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are left with residues. Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly. Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned. Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. 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. There are also ovens with additional features, such as a steam or grill function. Installation If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations. Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob. To install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly. It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. hobs and ovens 's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
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