How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

ovens hobs are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference 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 center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens hobs that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in 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 oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven hob. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are ovens that have steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have an array of cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area where the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.