10 Unexpected Oven And Hob Tips
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.
It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.
The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. hobs uk heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.
Types
There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.
best hobs uk are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.
Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure 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 remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
After electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be moved into position. 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 test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.