Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually 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 on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed 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 often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors.
There are ovens that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing 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, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
