How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

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

Origins

ovens and hobs are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a 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 center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, oven and hob are preprogrammed options which 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 preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to determine the ones that are best ovens for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

There are also some ovens with steam functions, which are ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose 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 suitable for many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate best hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern look that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in various sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

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 that the electrical circuit is properly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.