How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of best ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

There are also some best ovens and hobs uk that come with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that Best place to buy oven and hob suits your needs and style can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common choice. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester 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.

To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.