15 Interesting Facts About Oven And Hob You ve Never Seen

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.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire 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 were able to be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with 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 control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households 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 common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. 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 items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your needs.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food to develop great flavors.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs and ovens are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing 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. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile 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 set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hob to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.