How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler 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 come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven uk to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products and even custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a 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 properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and oven to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting 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 case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.