Five Oven And Hob Lessons From The Professionals
Wiki Article
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.
Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. 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 many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.
The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.
The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. 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 with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.
By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.
It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.
Functions
Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control how the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.
Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs 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 to cook a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.
Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.
There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.
Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are many ovens and hobs on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.
Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.
The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.
You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.
In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't like connecting an here electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.