How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

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

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked items, and even custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs come in many different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven with hob or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new oven uk is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you must remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be installed 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 the electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.