How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located with a hob where food can be prepared. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be turned off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they contained heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and cooking.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, built-in oven reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and early 17th century. They were found in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

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

In certain recipes, such as those made by Nigella she might suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing, because a hob in British English is an oven. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, built-in oven and it's essential 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 for cooking a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by zigzag lines and straight lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables, baked goods and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically adjusting the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best oven uk suits your requirements and preferences can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a little more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only generates heat when you place a pan over it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat quite quickly. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Single ovens with built-in ovens are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed under a hob and oven or above the eye level in a built-In oven unit. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make certain to consider your family's size when you choose 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 might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven or hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. 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 supply in your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and then remove them carefully. After the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed should be clear of obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

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

It is recommended to hire an expert to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.