A Guide To Oven And Hob In 2024
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to match your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated 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 capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best for your needs.
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 traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then 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. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.
You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the read more conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.