The Myths And Facts Behind Oven And Hob
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.
Most ovens come with a conventional 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 around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fairly quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be installed 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 electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation read more isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.