How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes 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 a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were common in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

Most best ovens and hobs come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

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

There are additional oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

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

Types

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

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they don't always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven and hob that are new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

It is Best Ovens And Hobs Uk to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.