How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking style and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook at home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for [Redirect Only] you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

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

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.