Shawna Fauchery

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

It is generally easy to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and can be economical to run.

Origins

ovens hobs are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels like charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes the oven is enclosed by a hob that food items can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a hob comes with burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven has an enclosure in which food is heated in the centre.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also 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, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to control 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 the amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, as well as having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was an essential feature, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or using a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In some recipes, such as those by Nigella she may suggest cooking the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it could be confusing if you're unfamiliar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively, while preserving the taste and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's crucial to understand the different features to determine the ones that are best for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need a fast, crisp finish like pizza or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This mode is perfect for meat and vegetable kebabs and is marked with straight lines or zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions for bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Some ovens have a steam function that is ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This feature is activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook at home. It is worthwhile to think about features like self-cleaning or intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a common choice. They are easy to use as they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs and ovens are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean, due to the residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put a pot on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones that are placed on flat surfaces that are placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement all kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have a variety of zones with uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or in cabinets with built-in ovens. They are typically large enough to accommodate a large meal and come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. You can also find them with additional features like grill or steam functions.

Installation

It may be worth hiring 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 installed and your new cooker is safe to use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to make sure that your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts as well as a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to make sure it is able to handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to get rid of any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance, and then remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the space, it should be cleared of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made, the oven or hob is then lowered into the desired position. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's best ovens and hobs to engage a professional to do the job. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven with hob, and requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood is an option if you do not already have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.