Oven And Hob 101: This Is The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. best hobs for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household 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 common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.
There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in 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 many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.
Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. hobs uk are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly 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 safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.
Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician 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 that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
To install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.
It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.