How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

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

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, [Redirect-Java] which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used for Baking essentials bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens uk that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven hob coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook 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. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed 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 and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best hob suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they don't always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.