How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in households around the world. They are generally powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also 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. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could be easily shared amongst family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to use ovens that resembled like fireplaces. They had a chimney that blocked off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and hob and oven having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the invention of the oven was correlated with changes in cooking techniques and recipes, which resulted in a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

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

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is important to understand the differences to decide which one is best for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than standard ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified by a zigzag at top and a straight line at the bottom of the square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing pastry and bread, slow cooking, and more. These are usually preprogrammed and provide a controlled warm environment that helps rise dough and develop flavors.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked goods, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob that are available with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a big difference in how easy it is to cook at home. Consider features like self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They usually have burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and have precise temperature control. This can help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be slightly more expensive to purchase however they 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. However, they do not always cook evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs, also an essential in the kitchen, come with various cooking zones that are all electrically powered on a flat surface. They are placed on top of your kitchen cabinets. They have a sleek, modern design that is perfect for all kitchens. They aren't easy to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most common model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed under a hob or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and can come in a variety of sizes, Hob and Oven so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They can also be found with additional options like an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in line with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of putting in a new stove and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance in place and carefully remove them. After the old appliance is removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are made and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best ovens and hobs to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option in the event that you don't already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by the Part F of Building Regulations.