How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in households around the world. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob 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 heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of 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 flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens 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 due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a 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 suggest placing a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

oven uk functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hobs for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven uk is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are additional oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavors.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods and even custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are positioned on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek modern look that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made and the oven or hob is connected, it is then lowered into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.