Oven And Hob 101: A Complete Guide For Beginners
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke 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 looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking 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 and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known 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 help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower 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 other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked products and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain 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 set up on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as read more a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.
In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It is best to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.