What Experts On Oven And Hob Want You To Learn

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity 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 many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. hobs uk 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 which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared between 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, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs oven are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs oven are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're installing a 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 follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.