Learn The Oven And Hob Tricks The Celebs Are Using

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any 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 economical to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove 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 massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process. A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace. In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles. In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology. Functions Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour 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 that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements. The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time. Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking. Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours. There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked products, and even custards. It's as easy 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 temperature that is selected. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features. Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue. Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly. Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner. The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions. Installation If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations. You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven. The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly. If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best 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 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 can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.