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 sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a best hob uk that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% 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 a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens uk that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods as well as custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they don't always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

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

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven (More methods). Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.