Blog entry by Bryant Manuel
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is Best place to buy oven and hob for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs Uk and hobs on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
It's best oven uk to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.