How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes and features to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food 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, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages 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 heat and cooking.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob and oven functions to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best oven suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. This function is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs uk come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or best hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then 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 oven to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.