How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen. Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on, 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 contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace. In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles. In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan on the hob. However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology. Functions The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture. Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best suited to your needs. A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time. Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours. There are hobs oven that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected. Types There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities. Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue. Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly. Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks. Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function. Installation If you're planning to install a 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 properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations. Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob . The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been 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 according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations. Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly. If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.
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