How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

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

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. 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 stove has burners that can be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide which one is Best place to buy oven and hob for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods such as 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 some models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

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

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hobs uk to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.