See What Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose the Right oven and hob (infozillon.com) for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven hob is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with 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 was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during 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 oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens and hobs had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types 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 suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of oven with hob and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as 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 the electrical circuit is installed and the new cooker 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 codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize 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 working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must 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.