Oven And Hob 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and features to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke 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 area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is best for you.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked items and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.
Electric hobs are available 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 since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a click here steam or grill 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 properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified 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 fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.