It Is The History Of Oven And Hob In 10 Milestones
How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen
We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.
Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.
Origins
Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food 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 meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked 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 typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area 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 partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.
Functions
The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour 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 uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. 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 requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious char. best hobs is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.
There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.
Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.
Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because 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. They are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.
Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.
Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.
Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.
The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.
Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.
If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.