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've got the dimensions, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances that are used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in certain markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels, such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be turned off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens uk that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to control. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of ovens coincided in part with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the best hob uk" but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British word for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that control how the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the taste and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted mode that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best ovens suited to your needs.

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

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, proofing and much more. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and create flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to poultry, vegetables, baked goods, and even custards. This function is activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob on the market, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how easy it is to cook in your home. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a popular option and work well in all kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings on the burners and the grate that pans sit on that emits heat. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are energy efficient since the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and are able to heat fairly quickly. However, they do not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs, which are an essential kitchen appliance, have various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on flat surfaces. They sit beneath your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned properly.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in an built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it might be worthwhile to hire an electrician to take care of the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. Make sure you check the electrical supply at your home to make sure it is able to handle the new electric hob and oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the best hob to ensure it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not like plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer is required to connect the pipes. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed 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.