Oven And Hob 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook 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 were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine the best one for you.
The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.
hobs and ovens
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage 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 qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.
Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven , it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.