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 durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob uk has burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in homes of the wealthy that had a separate Kitchen convenience with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in 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 invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob uk", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which one is best ovens suited to your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's ideal for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed 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 baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by simply pouring water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

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

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all relevant safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home to ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove 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 should be clear of obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.