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 sizes, features and oven styles to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, oven which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, 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 used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven uk and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven uk, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob uk, or in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

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

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.