How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens and hobs uk had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen 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 more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best ovens suited to your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best hob suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens hobs are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level 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 meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle 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 your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or best hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.