How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Generally simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are available in certain markets but ovens can also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, which is where food can be cooked. A hob is a type of burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed space that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes since they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature and could easily be shared among family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook their food over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on meat and hob and Oven casseroles.

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

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also have a fan-assisted option that uses a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for more even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which ones are right for your requirements.

The fan-powered feature of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of meals. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially helpful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and an straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

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

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These best ovens and hobs are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and help your food to develop great flavours.

There are also some ovens with a Steam function which is perfect for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, and even custards. It's just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. These range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that meets your requirements. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as a grate where pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly quick to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on an even surface that is placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or in a built-in cabinet. When choosing an oven, think about the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a large dinner and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be found with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

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

You'll require all the tools and equipment you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to test 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 an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. Next a junction box must be erected and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. This should be done according to the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

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

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation is not as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.