How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove 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 best oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

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 simpler and more efficient while maintaining 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 come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is best oven for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens and hobs uk that come with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked items as well as custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs oven, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall 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 installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.