How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens and hobs uk were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat 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 easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

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

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to 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 easier and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is best hobs uk for you.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens uk suits your needs and style can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

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 the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern appearance that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are 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 an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven uk with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the best hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.