How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens and hobs uk can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space which 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 other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks They were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're 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 depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best ovens and hobs uk for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of meals. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, Ovens and Hobs and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by pouring water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are simple to use as they have rings around the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

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

To put in a new oven with hob and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best ovens and hobs to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.