How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas, with gas bottles available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the best hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar 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 help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens uk come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds 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 hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.