How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas, with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that looked 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 century. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob uk is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that 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 the flavor and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats 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 many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best one for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas 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 it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables, baked goods as well as custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs uk that are available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

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

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.