How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

If you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got the dimensions, features and styles to match your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are simple to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and can be economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens all over the world to roast and bake foods. They are typically powered by electricity or gas. The models with gas bottles are available in some markets. However ovens can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be prepared. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure that heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were massive brick and mud structures that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat, and other meals since they were relatively good at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature and were able to be shared among family members. However, these open pits and furnaces came with three major drawbacks - they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen, they consumed a lot of fuel (wood), and it was difficult to regulate the cooking process and heat.

The solution was to use ovens that looked like fireplaces. They had a chimney that secluded off the fire, reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were typically found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the middle of the 19th century, European ovens were a common fixture in kitchens. This was partly because the oven became an essential feature, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or with a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

In certain recipes, like those of Nigella she may recommend placing the pan "on the hob". However, this can be misleading since a hob in British English refers to a stovetop. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be the term cooktop or range.

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way that 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 also preserving the flavor and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. They also come with a fan-assisted option which utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking a variety of foods. It heats the oven more evenly than standard ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish, such as pizza or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line on the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Certain ovens have a grilling function that combines the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your meals an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be identified by straight lines and zigzag lines, such as Fan-Assisted. This mode is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe the oven's temperature settings to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries and many other things. These are often preprogrammed and create a controlled, warm environment that helps rise dough and create flavours.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious food. It adds a small amount of moisture to your food, which maintains the tenderness of the food and imparts an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked items, and even custards. Using this function is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir in your oven, then turning it on, with some models even automatically changing the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Selecting one that is suitable for your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is important to consider features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for most kitchens. They usually have burners with rings and a grate that pans rest on which emits heat, which makes them easy to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and provide precise temperature control, meaning they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to preheat than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs come in many different designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are somewhat more expensive to purchase however they are considered energy efficient as the hob only generates heat when you place a pot over it. They are also safe for children and can heat up fairly quickly. However, they may not always heat evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, offering an array of electric cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed underneath your kitchen appliances. They have 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 not cleaned properly, they can leave burn marks.

The most popular type is the built-in single-oven. They can be placed either beneath a hob, or in a built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to accommodate a big meal and come in different sizes, so make sure to take into consideration your family's size when selecting an oven. They are also available with additional options, such as a grill or a steam function.

Installation

It might be worthwhile hiring an electrician to set up the new oven for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to ensure that your installation is in compliance with all safety standards.

You'll require all the tools and supplies you need before you begin the installation of your new electric oven and stove. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical power supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To put in an oven and hob that are new first, you need to remove the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance, and then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one will be installed must be free of obstructions. Then, a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are made after which the oven and hob can be lifted into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came along with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it is flush with your worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's working correctly.

If you're planning to install an oven or hob that is gas-powered, it's best ovens and hobs uk [Full File] to hire a professional for the task. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven. It requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase an oven hood fitted if you don't already have one as it can help in ventilating your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.