How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs and ovens are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional 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 a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower 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 baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked products as well as custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

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 in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

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 handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best oven to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.