Oven And Hob 101 A Complete Guide For Beginners
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and features to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide the best one for you.
A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. 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 quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry, baked items and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.