How to Choose the Right Oven and hob uk for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs and ovens feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor 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 mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on 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 an amazing char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products as well as 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 a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.