How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

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 dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous due to the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens 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. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven with hob was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she may recommend cooking the pan "on the hob uk". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English refers to an oven. 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 settings that control the way that oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide the best one for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and hob and oven pie that require a fast, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and many more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens that come with a Steam function which is ideal for making healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods and even custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs available on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a common option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They provide a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most popular type of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so be certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven (click through the next website), it's best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.