How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard 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 over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob uk" however this could be misleading as hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

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

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, baking and much more. These are usually preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and Hob and Oven nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean up with the residue.

Electric hobs oven come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for 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 in a timely manner.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and can come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Check the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box must be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best ovens uk to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.