How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

best ovens uk are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven hob is surrounded by a hob that food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire 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 consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, crisp 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.

Some ovens come with a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most popular type of oven and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an old one, it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and materials you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply in your home to ensure 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 remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.