Oven And Hob 101 The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
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 feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain 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. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for ovens cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook 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, like those of Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best oven for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These ovens (squareblogs.net) are usually 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 that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven with hob and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs and ovens come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the task. 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 an oven hood is an option to consider 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.