How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first best ovens uk were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavor.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction best hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to heat up. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like an oven hob with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place 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 installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven uk and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.