How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

best ovens uk are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were quite adept at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and could easily be shared amongst family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky due to the open flame and smoke, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens and hobs that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th century. 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 had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. However, it is also believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking style and recipes, which led to more emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest leaving a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because hob is actually a British word that refers to a stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed options which control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient, while preserving the flavor and texture.

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to be aware of the different options to figure out which one is best oven suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide range of food items. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag at the top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to 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 avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and much more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food develop amazing flavours.

There are ovens with Steam functions that are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It imparts a delicate, rich flavor to baked items, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by simply pouring water in the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They are simple to use because they come with rings on the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to preheat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in many different styles, including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put an item on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are quick to heat up. They can also be slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

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

Before beginning the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the necessary supplies and tools available. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply at your home to ensure it is able to handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in Best place to buy oven and hob and remove them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be free of any obstructions. Next a junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven. It requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing a cooker hood is also an option if you do not already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of the Building Regulations.