How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and features to match your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

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

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which one is best hob suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to 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 certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens uk and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.