How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs uk can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. These open pits and best ovens and hobs had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in 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. These were common during the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes that led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're not familiar with 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 simpler and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide the Best ovens and hobs Uk one for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at 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 functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and best ovens and hobs uk can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens and hobs uk that have steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This function is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

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

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. 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.