How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and features to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can 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 can be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven's 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 more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens hobs come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These ovens uk are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.

Some ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on 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 can help cut your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are 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 an built-in cabinet. 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 you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and best hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.