Oven And Hob 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and 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 the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word for a 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 settings that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavors.
Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are placed on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning here on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing 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 properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.
Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
To install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. 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 pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.