How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen. It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle. The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven. By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat. In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan on the hob. However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which 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 easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture. Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available 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 perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking. There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours. There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set. Types There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt. Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hob s may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly. Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks. The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function. Installation It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations. You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob. The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly. It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
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