How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of 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 stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor 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 which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob uk functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is right for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.

Certain ovens hobs have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs uk and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove 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 large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as 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 can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven uk is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

It's best to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. 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 pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.