What Is Oven And Hob And How To Use It
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.
A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes 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. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.
The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavors.
Certain 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. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
oven hob are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.
To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.
If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.