How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens hobs were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using 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 manage. 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 fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she may suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some best ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

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. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. 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 cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it is able to 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 take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box must be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the best hob uk to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.