Oven And Hob 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen. Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run. Origins Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle. The first ovens were massive 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 capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were 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, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking. The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven. By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat. In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest cooking a pan “on the hob”. However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology. Functions The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that 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 also maintaining the flavor and texture. Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best for you. The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent 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 an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook. There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavors. There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected. Types There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your preferences and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too. Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue. Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down. Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. oven with hob have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks. The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions. Installation If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations. You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob. The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any 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 make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly. If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.