How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first best ovens and hobs were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features 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 a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in most kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they may not always cook evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven and hob that are new, you must first remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob uk to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob uk and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.