How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens hobs were huge brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, it is also thought that the development of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend leaving a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best oven suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.

There are also some ovens that come with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked products and even custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs and ovens come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. However, they do not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are often big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They are also available with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply in your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clean and free of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.