How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a range of styles, sizes and features to suit any kitchen.

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

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as charcoal or wood. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures, which contained fire in order to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes as they were capable of keeping the heat at an even temperature, and could be easily shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces came with three major disadvantages: they were risky because of the smoke and flames that could be seen and they used a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

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

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. It was partly due the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient for people to cook over an open flame or in the cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven was in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, which led to a greater focus on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, such as those of Nigella she may recommend placing the pan “on the hob”. However, this can be misleading, because a hob in British English is a stovetop. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, and it can be confusing if you’re not familiar with British terminology.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings that control the oven’s heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining the flavor and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. 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 many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it’s essential to understand the different features to find out which ones are right for your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is perfect for grilling, baking and roasting. It is especially helpful for dishes like pizza and pie that require a quick, smooth finish. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked with a zigzag at the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and can help you save up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food an amazing charcoal. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be identified by zigzag lines and straight lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don’t overcook.

There are other oven functions like proofing of pastry and bread, slow cooking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to provide a controlled warm atmosphere to help rise dough and develop flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked items including poultry, vegetables, and custards. It’s as simple as pouring water into the reservoir of your oven, then turning it on, with certain models automatically altering the amount of steam based on the selected temperature.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens work well in many kitchens and are a popular option. They usually have burners with rings and a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs can also be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, which means they can reduce your energy costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs, and they can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different designs that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are slightly more expensive to purchase but are considered to be energy efficient because the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also cool to the touch, making them safer for children. They are quick to warm up. They are also slow to cool down and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs, which are an essential in the kitchen, come with an array of cooking zones that are all electrically powered on an even surface. They sit under your kitchen cabinets. They sport a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They aren’t easy to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if not cleaned in a timely manner.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or on the floor in an built-in cabinet. They are usually large enough to hold a large meal and come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options like the grill or steam function.

Installation

If you’re planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing an old one, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. An experienced electrician will be able to follow local regulations to ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety regulations.

Before beginning the installation process of your new electric oven and hob, you’ll need all the necessary supplies and tools on hand. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you’ll require. Make sure you check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

The first step of installing a new cooktop and oven is to take out any old appliances. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and then remove them carefully. After the old appliance is removed from the area, it must be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box should be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once the electrical connections have been established, the oven and hob can be moved into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it’s flush with the worktop. The fitter will test the hob and make sure that it’s operating correctly.

It is recommended to hire a professional to install a gas stove and oven. Gas installation isn’t as simple as plugging in an electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is a good option for those who don’t have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.