How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes 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 popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they do not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens hobs with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

It is best hob to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.