How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you’re looking for an oven or a new hob, we have a variety of sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They’re good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven uk rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those from Nigella she suggests cooking a pot “on the hob”, but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you’re unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven’s heating element as well as fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the taste and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It’s great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavours.

There are also some ovens that have a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked items as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric best hobs come in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don’t get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. 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.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, hob and Oven or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You’ll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It’s also important to test the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can be moved into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it’s flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it’s working correctly.

If you’re planning to install a gas hob and oven, it’s best oven to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn’t as simple as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It’s also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don’t have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.