How to Choose the Right Oven and hob uk for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically 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 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 the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the flavor 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 that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best ovens for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use as they come with 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, which means they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and 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, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish modern look that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, 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. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an old one, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required supplies and tools in your kitchen. These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should 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 as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came 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.

It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.