Oven And Hob 101”The Complete” Guide For Beginners

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen. Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre. The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages – they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace. In the late 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 for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat. best ovens and hobs uk is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot “on the hob” but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology. Functions The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements. The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking. There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors. There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too. Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue. Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly. Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly. Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function. Installation If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations. You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven. To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly. It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted 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.