How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based cookware and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. 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 many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire in order to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. These open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes 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 had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens hobs coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens hobs and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are other oven functions for proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven with hob and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs oven can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different designs, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven or hob that is new, you must first take them out of the old ones. Locate the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

It's best to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.