How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference 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 that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to determine which one is best hobs uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help 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 food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens hobs are the most common type of oven and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

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

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. 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 power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.