How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob uk we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

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 other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob (the full report) used in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to allow you to 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. 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 and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.