How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the best oven uk is located by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens and hobs uk were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because 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 regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

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

Electric hobs come in many different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. 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 contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to 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. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.