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 dimensions and features to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, best ovens and hobs uk can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob uk and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. These open pits and best ovens and hobs uk had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens and hobs uk come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

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

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning 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 in your home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.