How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got a range of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Most ovens and hobs uk come with a conventional 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 hob to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% 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 an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob and oven generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven hob. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.