How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by 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 distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well 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 as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is thought that the development of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven uk functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is best ovens and hobs for you.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for Hob and Oven creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Think about 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 since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas best hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

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 to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment 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 need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the best hob uk to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.