How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

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

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

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 since a hob is actually a British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to find out the ones that are best for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of 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 particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked items and even custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, so they are 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 can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

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

To put in an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be mounted 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.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

It's best to hire a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.