How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

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

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly 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 using a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food an amazing char. It's great for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavors.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items as well as custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at 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 huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

Before you begin the installation process of 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. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.

To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the best hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

It's best ovens and hobs uk to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.