How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit 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 kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. hobs and ovens are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy 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. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best oven for your needs.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to your poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs oven are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in various sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.