10 Things People Get Wrong About The Word "Oven And Hob"
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity 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 usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.
The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made 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.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.
In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which 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 preserving the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% 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 food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.
There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.
Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.
The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted 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.