How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. 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 they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens and hobs uk coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best hobs for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked items, and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven with hob and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to 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. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best oven uk to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.