What Is Oven And Hob And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.
The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.
In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.
Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine the best one for you.
A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.
There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.
Types
There are many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.
The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.
You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.
The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.
Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.
If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option 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.