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 easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that 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 in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she suggests cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking 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 option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is right for you.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a range of food items. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect 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 be careful to observe the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavours.

Some ovens come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best ovens and hobs uk suits your preferences and style can make a huge difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas best ovens and hobs are a very popular option and work well in all kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children. They are relatively quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens hobs are the most common kind of oven, and these can be fitted under a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options, such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be free of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of a CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed 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.