See What Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had 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 regulate the cooking process and heat.
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 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 area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how 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 also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best hob uk for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked items and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven uk. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.