How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, 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 used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in the cauldron. However, it is thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best oven uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, Hob and Oven baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked goods, and even custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs uk, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best hob to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is 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.