How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. In general, they are 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, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the best oven uk's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best oven for your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. 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.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made 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 be certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric best hobs uk come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.