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 have a variety of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

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

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some best ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom 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 much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and best hobs uk that are available on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric hobs and ovens and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to warm up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or at eye-level in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To put in an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hobs to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.