How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs uk can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

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

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar 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 based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste 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 makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best hobs uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven 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 cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, ovens and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens uk with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and ovens the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. Next a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.