What Makes The Oven And Hob So Effective? For COVID-19
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen. It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle. The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages – they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. 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 area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven. By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat. It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot “on the hob” however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop. Functions The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture. Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is right for you. A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time. Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours. There are ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected. Types There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too. Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues. Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down. Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks. The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features. Installation It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes. You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven. To put in an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations. Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly. If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.