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 have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens uk may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in 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. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

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

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items as well as custards. This feature is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs (read the article) available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since 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 common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. Then a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.