How To Know If You're Prepared For Oven And Hob

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen. It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can 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 had fire in order to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking. The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace. By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles. It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot “on the hob”, but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology. Functions Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture. Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you. The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of 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 an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. Ovens & Hobs is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking. There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor. There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected. Types There are many types of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too. Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt. Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down. Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned. Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function. Installation It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. 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 the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes. You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven. The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations. Once electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use 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 ensure that it's working correctly. If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.