selection, safe use and care of hobs, grills and ovens

• factors to consider when buying a cooker


  -cost

  -features

  -size

  -built in or freestanding (according to your needs)

  -guarantee

  -known brand
• types of cookers

  built in or freestanding

  • gas
  • electric

  
• gas cookers


  -can be lit by self ignition

  -fan assisted = heat is distributed evenly

  -extra features of grill i.e. mechanical/digital tier, light, warming compartment, self cleaning

  -feature which stops gas from leaking out if flame goes out

  • disadvantage: need to remember to buy an extra gas cylinder
  • safety measures: buy a gas cooker which stops gas from coming out if flame is put out. Use oven gloves. Remember to switch off after food is ready. Oven door does not become hot. You can buy an oven which locks.
• electric cooker

  -fan assisted = heat is evenly distributed

  -features: rotisserie, pre-set timer, light, grill, duel oven

  • disadvantage: cannot be used in case of a power cut
  • safety measures: timer is set at the right time. if there is a power cut, programming should be reset.
• grills

  -free standing: cookers have a grill under the hob

  -built in: cookers have a grill at the top of the oven

  
• safety use

  -be sure you know which hob controls which surface burner

  -always switch on match before turning on gas as it may escape and cause an explosion

  -do not wear loose clothing and materials than burn easily when cooking

  -keep hands, face and hair away from burner

  -do not use plastic, ceramics or glassware on the cooker
• microwave

  The microwave’s energy is absorbed by the food molecules. They become agitated and start to vibrate. This creates heat which cooks the food
• describe and explain the parts of the microwave

  -magnetron: a valve that generates the microwave

  -cavity: food is placed here, on a plate or a dish

  -rotating plate: food is placed here so that all sides are evenly cooked

  -safety device: ensures that microwave stops when door opens

  -mode stirrer: distributes the microwave's energy evenly in the cavity

  -door: door has a safety seal to prevent leakage of microwaves to the exterior
• list the suitable and unsuitable containers for microwaving

  Suitable containers: ceramic, glass, china, paper and microwaveable plastic (not recommended)

  Unsuitable containers: aluminium foil; metal
• Advantages of using a microwave


  • Quick so saves time and preserves nutrients, colour, texture and flavour • Energy Efficient
• Disadvantages of using a microwave

  • Not all cooking methods can be used • Food cooked does not develop a texture (crisp) • Since it cooks fast, it is very easy to overcook food or dry food • Initial cost
• symbol of microwaving

  microwave symbol:

  
• safety features of cookers

  gas cookers

  -electric spark ignition so match will not be used and once gas is out it will light immediately avoiding gas leakage while lighting match.

  -re-ignition: flame will ignite again if it goes out

  -gas will stop coming out if flame goes out

  electric cookers

  -red lighting on ceramic hobs indicates that burner is still hot