How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven with hob is a closed space that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your needs.

A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are additional oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavor.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked products, and even custards. This function is activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven with hob and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners and the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle a new electric hob and oven.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been completed then the oven and the hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven (go to this site), it's a good idea hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.