How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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


The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off while an oven comes with an enclosure where 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 because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

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

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

It is worth noting that in some recipes, like those from Nigella she suggests leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way that oven's heating elements and fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional 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 the air around the oven, allowing a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's essential to understand the different features to find out which one is best suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick, crisp finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square and it can save you 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. This mode is perfect for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens that have Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your needs and style will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may 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 different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that will look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since 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.

Built-in single ovens are the most common type of oven and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and come in different sizes. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob, you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools available. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find ovens and hobs or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also a good idea to get a cooker hood installed in the event that you don't have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.