How to Choose the Right Oven and hob uk for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

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

ovens and hobs come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked products, and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob uk on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs and ovens are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. 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 should be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.