How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The distinction between a best hob uk and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and could be easily shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky 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 found in ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook on an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven uk functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the flavor 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 mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hobs uk for your requirements.

A fan-powered oven is perfect for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some best ovens and hobs uk come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked items, and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models even adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of ovens and hobs (a fantastic read) available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electric and on a flat surface. They sit on top of your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

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

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric hob uk and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home and ensure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one is installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. Next a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven and hob can be lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.