How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for a new oven or hob we have a variety of dimensions and features to match your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to roast and bake foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a stove on which food items can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and were able to be shared among family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens and hobs that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven became an essential feature, as it was more secure and efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking style and recipes that led to an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend cooking a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best ovens and hobs for your needs.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavours.

There are ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically changing the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob generates heat only when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're installing a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven (related website), it's best ovens to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.