How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and durable, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're ideal for flat-based products and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. They are typically powered by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas available in some markets however ovens can also use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is located by a kitchen hob, where food can be cooked. The difference between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that can be switched off and on, whereas an oven hob has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the center.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions that contained fire to heat food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other dishes since they were relatively good at containing the heat to maintain an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks they were risky because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and 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 decrease the amount of smoke and intensity, and make it easier to manage. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in kitchens at home. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became essential, since it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or with a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of the oven coincided with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is worth noting that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she suggests leaving a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading since hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a cooktop or range, so it could be confusing if not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving flavour and [Redirect Only] texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also offer a fan-assisted mode that makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air around the oven to ensure more even heating and faster speed. There are a variety of options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is best hobs for you.

A fan-powered oven is ideal for cooking a variety food items. It is able to heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for grilling, baking, and roasting. It is especially useful for dishes like pizza and pies that require a quick crisp and smooth finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top, giving your food a delicious char. This is a great option for meat and vegetable kebabs and can be marked by straight lines or zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This is usually placed on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings in your oven to ensure that you don't overcook.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries, and more. They are typically programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rise of dough and allow your food develop amazing flavor.

There are also some ovens with Steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavor to baked products, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function is activated by placing water into the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam automatically according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a myriad of ovens and hobs oven on the market. These vary from traditional gas models to contemporary electric ones. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that is suitable for your needs. It is worthwhile to think about features such as self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They typically come with burners with rings and an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, making them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with dirt.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are energy efficient since the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, [Redirect Only] which makes them safer for children, and are relatively quick to warm up. However, they don't always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another staple of the kitchen, offering an array of cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They sport a sleek, modern design that is perfect for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If they are not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

The most commonly used model is the built-in single oven. These can be installed under a hob or in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large dinner and are available in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to install the new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician can adhere to local regulations to ensure your installation is compliant with all safety regulations.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. Examine the electrical supply at home to make sure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To do this, find the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be clean and free of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be installed, with the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This should be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established after which the oven or hob can then be lowered in place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea hire a professional for the job. Gas installation is not like connecting an electric oven. A CORGI certified engineer must connect the pipes. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one, as this will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.