How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

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

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. It's as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select 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 popular choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they could reduce your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat than electric hobs and ovens and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Then the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to fix it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob uk and oven, it's Best place to buy oven and hob to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.