How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located 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 enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive 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 capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens uk were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types 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 for cooking a wide variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight 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 the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

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 is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric best hobs uk are available in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when you choose an oven hob. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all 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 on hand. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's Best place to buy oven and hob to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.