How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed 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 consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which one is best hob uk suited to your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

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

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in 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. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob uk in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

It is best ovens and hobs to employ a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also an excellent 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.