How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is surrounded by a stove that food items can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

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

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. This was partly because the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods including poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs (10.caiwik.com) available that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

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

Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs and ovens are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you must remove the old ones. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections are completed, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire a professional 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 pipework. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.