Oven And Hob 101 Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing char. It's ideal 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 used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are additional oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. 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 an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure 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 a gas hob and oven, it's hob uk best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.