How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and durable. They feature metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. The distinction 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 that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that shut off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were typically found in household 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 popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in an increased emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

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

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling options that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables, baked products and even 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 you select.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners that have rings and a grate that pans rest on, which releases heat, so they are simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. However, they can take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children, and are fairly quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not warm up evenly.

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

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver, an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.


The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Next best oven needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is important to follow the directions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been completed after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.