How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob that food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

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

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven and hob oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best oven uk for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking 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 meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob (Going at Wifidb) you'll need to have all the required supplies and oven and hob tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.