How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast 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, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests placing a pot "on the hob uk" but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens uk have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are best ovens for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some best ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use as they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. 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 install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer and hobs any local regulations.

After electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.