How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items 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 massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between 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 control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

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 used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hob for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as 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.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens hobs with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric best oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.