How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually a British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

best ovens and hobs uk typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags 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 of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables baked goods, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy 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 selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven uk.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.