How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens and hobs uk that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven (you could try here) coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag at top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens uk that come with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on a flat surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

It's best hobs uk to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is a good option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.