How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

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

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way that 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 also maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a Built-In oven fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens uk have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas best ovens and hobs uk are a common option and work well in most kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob uk in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.