How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of 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're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also 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 items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked products and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven with hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.