How Much Do Oven And Hob Experts Earn?
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. hobs uk between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge 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 relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes 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 were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste 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 the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause 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 can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered 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 make sure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted 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.