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 a range of sizes and features to fit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using 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 manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly 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.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to find out the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most commonly used type is the built-in single-oven with hob. They can be set up under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

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 as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be clear of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's best ovens uk to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.