What Is Oven And Hob And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be 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 dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide the best one for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavors.
There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are placed beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing 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 set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.
You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step in the process ovens and hobs uk of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
After electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.