How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we have a variety of sizes, features and styles to fit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing solid plate best hobs are sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are generally powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However, ovens can also be powered by other fuels like wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were large brick and mud structures that contained fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to control. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and oven and hob were commonly used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a standard feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was essential. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. However, oven and hob it is also believed that the advent of the oven coincided with the evolution of cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes such as those from Nigella, she will recommend leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading as a 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

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's essential to know the various options to figure out the ones that are best oven uk for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is great for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens hobs have grilling options that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

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

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically 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. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that suits your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for all kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and an grate that the pans sit on. They emit heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and don't heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up on top of a stove, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam features.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that the installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home to ensure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To install a new oven and hob first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws holding the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be free of obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into Best place to buy oven and hob. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to fix it and ensure that it's flush with your work surface. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also an option to consider if you do not already have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen, and is required under Part F of the Building Regulations.