How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or hobs wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They 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 shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining 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 have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions 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 meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked goods, and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs uk suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a popular option and Hobs are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best ovens uk to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.