How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

ovens and hobs uk are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best one for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked items and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven [check it out]. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.