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 can be 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 used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that cooks food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they contained heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They were also able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were used in homes of the wealthy with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes, which resulted in a greater concentration on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different features to determine the ones that are Best place to buy oven and hob for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens hobs with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables, baked products as well as custards. Using this function is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with some models automatically changing the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many types of oven with hob and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common option. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

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

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in different sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new oven is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that your installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will use the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven uk, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is 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 the Building Regulations.