What Are The Myths And Facts Behind Oven And Hob
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob 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 which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and 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 control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.
Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and work well in most kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat 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 positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is more info correctly installed and that 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 compliance with all safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established then the oven and the hob can be lowered 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 is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required 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.