Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can 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 can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide the best one for you.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.
There are ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods as well as custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern design that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult 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 cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to 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 can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and Culinary Tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.
