Oven And Hob: Myths And Facts Behind Oven And Hob
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out the ones that are best for your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at 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 features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors.
Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.
Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. oven hob can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
To install an oven and hob that are 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 carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. hobs oven will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.