How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and durable solid plate hobs feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas, with bottle gas models available in some markets however ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob where food items 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 huge brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces had three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the open flame and smoke and they used a lot of fuel (wood) and was difficult to regulate the heat and cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that shut off the fire to decrease its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the mid-19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes like those of Nigella she may suggest leaving the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually a British term for a stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if unfamiliar with the 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 efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens have a traditional mode that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that uses a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even and faster heating. There are many different types of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's crucial to know the various features to find out which one is best ovens and hobs suited to your needs.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a quick, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with a zigzag at the top and a line at the bottom. It can help save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with the zigzag and straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually used on the bottom rack of the oven, so be certain to be aware of 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 are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavors.

There are ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. Using this function is just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir of your oven and turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam based on the temperature you select.

Types

There are many ovens and hobs available on the market. They range from traditional gas models to modern electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a popular choice. They are easy to use since they come with rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy costs. However, they may take longer to heat than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered energy efficient as the hob generates heat only when you place a pan over it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them more child-safe, and are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool down and don't get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern design that can be a perfect match for most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used kind of oven, and these can be fitted either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be big enough to accommodate a huge meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features like a steam or grill function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up 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 ensure your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and materials you require prior to beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. These include wire nuts, an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a brand new electric oven and hob.

In order to install an oven and best hob uk that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the appliance is removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it's level with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob and make sure that it's operating correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted in the event that you don't have one, as this will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.