What Is Oven And Hob And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the dimensions and features to suit your kitchen. Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical 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 electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle. The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily 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 were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process. The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace. In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat. In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest placing a pan “on the hob”. However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop. Functions Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control how the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture. Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements. A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time. Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking. There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours. There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature. Types There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to 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 work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue. Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down. Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner. The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions. Installation It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards. You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob. The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold 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 should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations. Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. hobs uk will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly. If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.