Blog entry by Lonnie Cundiff
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs oven are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven hob is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to 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 fire, 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 used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
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 also maintaining the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and match 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.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
In order to install an oven with hob or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.