How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen


If you're in the market 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 durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They are ideal for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas with bottle gas models that are sold in certain stores but ovens can also make use of other fuels, like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were capable of controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared amongst 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 the heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were found in wealthy homes with separate kitchens with a chimney as well as more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest placing a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since a hob is actually an actual British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements and the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively, 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 that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for more uniform and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It's important to know the differences to determine which one is best for you.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for meals that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and straight lines at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious char. This mode is perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically placed on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.

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

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider hobs uk like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you lower your energy bills. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electric and on an even surface. They are positioned under your kitchen cabinets. hobs uk sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or at eye-level in a built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like grill or steam features.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure that your installation is compliant with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation process of your new electric oven and hob. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and ensure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure it is functioning properly.

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.