How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

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

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to help you cook 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 items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. These ovens hobs are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavor.

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven uk and a hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use as they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best hob uk to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.