How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based products and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

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

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained the ability to burn in order to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were dangerous due to the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the heat and cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the flame, reducing its intensity and the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and early 17th centuries. They were used in wealthy households that had a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook their food over an open flame or in the cauldron. However, it is also believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading because a hob used in British English refers to a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to determine the ones that are best hobs for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a fast crisp and crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals a delicious charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them and much more. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop great flavor.

Certain ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods such as poultry, vegetables, and custards. This feature is activated by placing water into the oven with hob's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is crucial to select the oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners and an grate on which pans rest and emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This can help reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only generates heat when you place a pan on it. They also stay cool to the point of contact, Hob and Oven making them more child-safe, and are relatively quick to heat up. However, they don't always heat evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that look sleek and match the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or at eye level in a built-in unit. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill 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 installed and hob and oven that your new appliance is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and equipment that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven (just click the following document). These include wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply at home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to remove any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area, it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is essential to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made then the oven with hob and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it in place and make sure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one, as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.