How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens hobs that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, ovens are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious char. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven uk functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs oven are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. 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.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.