How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

ovens hobs are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is best hob for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in 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 ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fairly quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob uk or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good 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.