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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven uk is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.
best ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which one is best hob uk suited to your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models 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 crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and the new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob uk first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and 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 mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established after which the best oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.