How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. best hobs uk are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common 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 become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which one is best hobs uk suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavor.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat 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 ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's Best place to buy oven and hob to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven and requires the assistance of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.