Libby Hallstrom

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're in the market for an oven or a new hob, we've got the sizes, features and styles to suit your kitchen.

Generally simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are commonly used in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast food items. In general, they are powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in certain markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. A hob is a burner that can be turned on and off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be shared by family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them and they required 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 lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to manage. These were common during the 16th and 17th centuries. They were found in homes of the wealthy with a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient to cook over an open fire or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving 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 not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

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

Most ovens come with a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that uses an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for more uniform and faster heating. There are a variety of oven and hob functions to choose from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is perfect to cook a range of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than traditional ovens, and is perfect for baking, grilling and roasting. It is particularly useful for cooking dishes such as pizza and pie that require a fast crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting is identified with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square and can help you save up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This is usually found on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to verify the temperature settings of your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

There are other oven functions like proofing pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.

Some ovens have steam functions that are ideal for making healthy and nutritious meals. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich flavour to your poultry, vegetables baked goods, baked products as well as custards. This feature can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are a very popular choice and can be found in the majority of kitchens. They usually come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on, which releases heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas best hobs are also energy-efficient and offer precise temperature control. This can help you cut your utility bills. However, they will take longer to heat than electric and can be difficult to clean if left with residues.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive, however they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They are also safe for children and can heat up quite quickly. However, they do not always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed 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 the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most popular type of oven, and can be placed either under a stove or above the eye level in a built-in unit. They are usually large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in a variety of sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when choosing an oven. They are also available with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new cooker is safe for use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

Before you begin the process of installing your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. Wire nuts, a screwdriver, and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob, you must first remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. The junction box should be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the directions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been completed, the oven and hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will use the clips that came with the hob in order to secure it and ensure it's flush with your work surface. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob it's a good idea to employ a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also a good idea to get an oven hood fitted in case you don't have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.