A Guide To Oven And Hob From Beginning To End
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen. Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run. Origins Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner 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 structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks – they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat. A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven. In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat. In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan “on the hob”. However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture. Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements. A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time. Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking. There are other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours. Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select. Types There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities. Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. 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 they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue. Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly. Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks. The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function. Installation It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. best hob uk will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes. Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven. To put in an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws 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 needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. After electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly. If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.