How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make 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 area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of 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 hob suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They sit under the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven uk and they can be installed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring 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 compliant with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven (click for info) is to take out any old appliances. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.