How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also 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. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature and were able to be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households with separate kitchens with a chimney, and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide the best one for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens hobs come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are additional oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

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

Types

There are many ovens and hobs that are available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your preferences and style will make a significant difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens uk are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as a grate that pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs oven may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and they can be installed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven (Check Out Wikigdia), it's best to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.