How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which one is best ovens suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals an amazing charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Certain ovens hobs have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to poultry, vegetables, baked products and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular choice. They are easy to use because they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs uk are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.