How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. The 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), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven uk was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs uk suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

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 properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

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 screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hobs to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven with hob. It requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.