How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you’re looking for an oven or a new hob, we’ve got the sizes and styles, features and designs to fit your kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens across the globe to bake and roast foods. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with bottle gas models that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a kitchen hob, where food can be prepared. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be switched off and on and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had fire to heat food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke and they required a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control heat and cooking.

A solution was found with ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen its intensity and smoke and make it easier to control. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were common in wealthy homes that had a separate kitchen with a chimney, and more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was largely due to the fact that the oven was an essential requirement. It was safer and more efficient for people to cook over an open fire or in the cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

In certain recipes, like those by Nigella she might suggest cooking a pan “on the hob”. However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is a stovetop. If you’re unfamiliar with British terminology and terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven’s functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven’s heating elements and fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it’s crucial to know the various features to determine the ones that are best for your needs.

A fan-assisted oven feature is perfect to cook a variety of food items. It heats the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pie that require a fast, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting features an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings inside your oven to prevent overcooking.

There are other oven functions like bread and pastry proofing, slow cooking, and other things. These ovens are usually programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough and allow your food to develop great flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. It’s just as simple as pouring the water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models automatically altering the amount of steam to depend on the temperature that is selected.

Types

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

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean up with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only heats up when you place an item on it. They also stay cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are fast to warm up. However, they don’t always cook uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, with an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed beneath your kitchen units. They sport a sleek, modern look that will complement all kitchens. They aren’t easy to keep clean as they contain multiple cooking zones, which can cause uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if not properly cleaned.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or on the floor in cabinets with built-in ovens. When choosing an oven, consider the size of your family. They can be big enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They are also available with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new cooker is safe for use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety regulations.

You’ll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin 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 need. It is also essential to examine the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance in place and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the area where the new one will be installed must be clear of any obstructions. Then, a junction box must be mounted and connected to the electrical supply using conduit. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to hold it to the wall and ensure that it’s in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is operating properly.

If you’re planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it’s best to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn’t quite as easy as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. It’s also an excellent idea to get an oven hood fitted if you don’t already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.