How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the sizes and features to match 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 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 gas or electricity with bottle gas models available in some markets, although ovens may also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is enclosed by a hob that food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared by family members. Open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks 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 heat and the cooking process.


A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to decrease the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during 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.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. This was due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading since a hob is actually a British word for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to understand the different options to figure out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's perfect for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically utilized 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, proofing bread and pastries and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can alter the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs that are available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your preferences and style can make a huge difference in how it is easy to cook in your home. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in many different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs, also an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They offer a stylish modern look that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most common type is the built-in single-oven. These can be installed under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in compliance with all applicable safety codes.

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven or hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob .

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, find the screws or bolts 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 should be free of any obstructions. Next, a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is an option in the event that you don't already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.