How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or a new hob, we've got the dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with gas bottles available in some markets but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded with a hob where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. Open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot 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 shut off the fire to lessen the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that cooks food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of meals. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens, and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pies. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be identified by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular option. They are simple to use as they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish, modern appearance that look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.


The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to set up a new oven for you or to replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it can handle the new electric hob and oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new hob and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After Ovens & Hobs Links to an external site. has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed should be clear of any obstructions. Next a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with your worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're installing an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's a good idea engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is a good option in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.