How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce 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 with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for hob making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs 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 or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. 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 moved into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

It is best hob to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.