How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a 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 constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens and hobs had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob uk functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs oven also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

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

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.