How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast food items. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets however ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th century. They were common in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens uk were a common feature in kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor 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 option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best hob uk suited to your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food the perfect char. It's ideal for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically 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.

There are additional oven functions for bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking, and more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

Some best ovens and hobs uk come with a steam function that is perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This feature can be activated by placing 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 variety of oven uk and hob on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. However, they will take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up fairly quickly. They are also slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile 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 properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety codes.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are completed after which the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is operating properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.