Oven And Hob 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple 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 are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.
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 dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide the best one for you.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. get more info Certain models can alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options, such as an oven with 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 correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold 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.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.