How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens hobs were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Most ovens come with 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 variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best oven suited to your needs.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, 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 save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of best oven uk is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked products as well as custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. 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 very popular choice. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. 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 can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as simple 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 in case you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.