How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are 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 kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may 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 switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs uk to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and hobs uk, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

To install an oven and hob that are new 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 with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good 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.