Elsa Bastyan

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of dimensions and styles, features and designs to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in homes across the world. Generally they are fueled by electricity or gas with gas bottles that are available in certain markets, although ovens may additionally use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is usually surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be switched off and on while an oven comes with an enclosure in which food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and cooking other meals since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared by family members. These open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular feature in home kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those by Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However it could be confusing, because 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 not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options which control the oven's heating element and fan based on the recipe you are cooking. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient, 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 option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a myriad of types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out the ones that are best hob uk for your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that require an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top to give your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically used on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and more. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavors.

There are also some ovens that come with Steam functions that are ideal for making healthy, nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked goods and even custards. It's as simple as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven and turning it on, with certain models automatically adjusting the amount of steam depending on the selected temperature.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Picking the one that best Oven suits your requirements and preferences will make a significant difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They are easy to use since they have rings around the burners as well as an grate on which pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy-efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you reduce your utility bill. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are fairly fast to warm up. However, they don't always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They offer a stylish modern design that look elegant and fit in with the majority of 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 properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular kind of oven, and these can be fitted either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with additional features, such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and stove. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll need. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it is able to handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step in the process of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To accomplish this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one is installed should be clear of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be erected and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established after which the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it to the wall and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's operating correctly.

It is best ovens and hobs to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation is not as simple as plugging in an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipework. Installing a cooker hood is also a good option for those who don't have one. This will allow air to circulate in your kitchen, and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.