How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven hob or hob we've got a range of dimensions, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could be easily shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was safer and more efficient to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven coincided with the changes in cooking methods and recipes that led to an increased concentration on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings which control how the oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is best hob for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly helpful for meals that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for Best Ovens And Hobs Uk kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much other things. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs available on the market. They vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is important to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, so they are easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, also a kitchen staple, feature a variety of cooking zones that are all electric on flat surfaces. They are positioned beneath your kitchen cabinets. They provide a stylish modern design that looks elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they may leave burn marks.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed on top of a stove, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and come in different sizes. They can also be found with additional options like a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand 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 supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven and hob uk can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob uk to hold it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

It is best ovens and hobs uk to employ an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.