How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. 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 usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to 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 the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens and hobs that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home 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 rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best hob for you.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled 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 top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking and much other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs and ovens that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens and hobs uk are the most popular type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

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

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.