How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference 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 were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a best hob uk in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar 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 make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out which one is best hobs suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a 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 installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob uk 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 operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.