How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Generally 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 cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

ovens hobs have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Picking the one that best hobs suits your needs and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy 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 heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven (visit the website). These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clear of obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best oven uk to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.