How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best hob for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.

There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

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

Plate hobs oven, also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens hobs are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven; a fantastic read,.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or 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 in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.