A Brief History Of Oven And Hob In 10 Milestones
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 can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.
Origins
Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.
The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.
The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.
By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. 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 also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.
In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.
Functions
The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining flavour 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 which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.
A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.
Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.
Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor.
There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.
Types
There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.
Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with more info burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.
Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. However, they do not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.
Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.
The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.
Installation
If you're planning on installing a brand 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 properly installed 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.
Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.
The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.
Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.
It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.