How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of dimensions and features to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They have metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens and hobs uk can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob on which food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space 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. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those of Nigella she might suggest placing 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 cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to 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 simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs, and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables, baked items as well as custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and best hobs uk available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are simple to use because they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They also remain cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are quick to warm up. However, they may not always heat uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned, they can leave burn marks.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most commonly used type of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or above the eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

Before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, 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 and make sure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven or hob that is new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed must be free of obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

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