Five Oven And Hob Lessons From Professionals
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they 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. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.
A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
There are other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds read more a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.
Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.
Electric hobs come 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 heats up when you place a pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.
The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at 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 must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are 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 is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.
It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.