How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating 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 be easily shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

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

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend placing a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

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

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to find out which one is best oven suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, Ovens and Hobs and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables, baked goods as well as custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration 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 may be worth 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 the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and Ovens and Hobs then remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be moved into Best place to buy oven and hob. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob and oven that is gas-powered, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.