How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or best hob we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They 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 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 largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out the ones that are best ovens and hobs uk for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model 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 selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. 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 install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the best hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.