How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically 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 middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for a stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

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

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They typically come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs oven are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of 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 they are not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam 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 handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An electrician who is certified will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all relevant safety codes.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and best hob uk.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in Best place to buy oven and hob and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is operating properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a brand new electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.