How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets however ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

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

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often 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.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you're not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even heating and faster speed. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to decide which one is best for you.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect to cook a variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing charcoal. It's ideal for meat or vegetable kebabs and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is typically used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of your oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, baking, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavors.

There are ovens that have a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with certain models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs on the market. These are available in a variety of styles, from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob only produces heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits underneath your kitchen appliances. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or in cabinets with built-in oven s. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation


If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is installed and that your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and hob. These include wire nuts electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Examine the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

In order to install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established, the oven or hob can be moved into the desired position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and make sure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.