Learn The Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen. Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center. The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks – they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process. A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households 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 were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles. It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot “on the hob” however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology. Functions The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture. Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you. The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in 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 a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor. There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select. Types There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue. Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. best ovens and hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down. Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks. Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function. Installation It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes. Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob. The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. After electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly. It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.