How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob uk and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a 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 range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

ovens and hobs uk are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is best ovens and hobs uk for you.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked products as well as custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in many different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are relatively quick to warm up. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

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

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob uk to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob uk that is gas-powered, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hob hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.