How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens hobs can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make 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 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 was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best ovens suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure Best place to buy oven and hob be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods, 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 even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an best oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.