The Science Behind How Electric Ovens and Stoves Heat Our Meals
When it comes to electric cooking stoves, ranges, cooktops, and stovetops all cook your favorite classic dishes, but each one uses a different heating mechanism. A traditional range is a large semi-inset appliance that fits between two base cabinets or a wall with a console and its controls on the back guard or in front of it. It has several elements of varying heating thermodynamics like conventional coils, radiant heat, or induction and an oven box underneath.
Stovetops can be conventional coils of radiant heat or induction. Conventional coils and radiant heat is a coil element plugged into a recessed enclosure and creates direct heat to the cookware, but much of the heat is also dissipated in the surroundings, reducing efficiency. Induction instead uses magnetism rather than heat. Ceramic and glass stovetops have four or five elements hidden beneath the smooth surface and are more efficient as the heat is transferred to the cookware via the glass surface.
As far as the oven elements are concerned, heat needs to be evenly spread around the oven box so it can be cooked properly and evenly. When the selector switch is set to “Bake” the bottom element is heated using a thermostat, with the top element also coming on in bursts to balance the heat. The Broil selection activates only the top broil element. Convection ovens have a fan to regulate temperature throughout the oven cavity.
Oven elements come in the form of conventional coils, but instead of being formed into a spiral, they are shaped to fit specific oven sizes and shapes. The control circuitry for the heating elements is controlled with either mechanical or electronic means, or a combination of both. Depending on the oven model it may have a self-cleaning cycle that uses high temperatures and an oven lock to prevent changes to temperature or cycle.
Overall, each electric oven and stove uses different heating mechanisms and controls to cook classic dishes efficiently. Each appliance uses different thermodynamics depending on the model, yet in all models a thermostat or temperature control switch regulates the heating elements. Safety precautions are in place with a built-in limiter to avoid overheating and control board to manage the heat and power. Whether it’s a conventional coil, an induction stovetop, or a convection oven, each appliance uses a combination of controlled heat, sensing technology, and safety measures to create great meals.
