How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features to suit any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were capable of containing the heat to maintain an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy households with a separate kitchen with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking style and recipes, which led to an increased emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she might suggest placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to determine which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is great for grilling, baking and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and help your food to develop wonderful flavors.

Some best ovens and hobs come with a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Utilizing this feature is as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam to depend on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs oven available on the market. They are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, Hob and Oven however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they don't always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They are placed under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven, and can be placed under a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as 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 manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made after which the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

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