How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could be easily shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

The majority of ovens hobs have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best oven uk for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

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

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best oven suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to warm up. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

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

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as 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 after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best oven uk to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.