How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known 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 the flavor 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 the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out the ones that are Best place to buy oven and hob for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your needs and style will make a significant difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven (click here), it's Best place to buy oven and hob to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.