The Guide To Oven And Hob In 2024
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.
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 meals since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen 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 due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control how the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving 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 option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.
A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.
Types
There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. get more info They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little 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 cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that looks 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 and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.
To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.