How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

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

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests placing the pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

ovens and hobs uk have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to decide the best hob uk one for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain best ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry, baked items, and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners as well as a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase, but they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are relatively fast to warm up. However, they do not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that will look sleek and complement 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 properly.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven or hob that is new, you must first remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.