How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.

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

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste 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 more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.