How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by electricity or ovensandhobs.Uk gas, with models that use bottle gas available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth 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 options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They also remain cool to the touch, which makes them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath the cabinets in your kitchen. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.