How to Choose the Right oven with hob and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with 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. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob and oven" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. 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 range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an 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.