How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking 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 hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens hobs were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavor.

There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked items and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Picking the one that best oven suits your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs oven and can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most 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.

Single ovens with Built-in Oven ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

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 properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob 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 appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Then, a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

It is best to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.