How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven (to Hasas) was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry, baked items, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference in how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are simple to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs uk are somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of 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 cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob uk to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.