How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven uk and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically 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 that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best oven uk suits your preferences and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs uk come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of 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 to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.