How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and hob could easily be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. 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, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or hob cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine which one is best ovens uk suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas best ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs oven are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed under a best hob uk or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established and the oven or best hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.