How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

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

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

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

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are Best place to buy oven and hob for your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety 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 pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that looks sleek and match the majority of 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 they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and come in different sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven uk and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, locate 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. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's best hobs uk to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.