How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of styles, sizes and features that can be adapted to any kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They feature metal plates with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are utilized in kitchens all over the world to bake and roast foods. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also use other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes the oven is surrounded by a hob where food can be cooked. A hob is a burner that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed space 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 since they were able to hold heat and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major drawbacks: they were dangerous because of the open flames and smoke, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing its intensity and smoke. This made it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th century. They were used in wealthy homes with a separate kitchen with a chimney and more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much safer and more efficient to cook with an oven than over an open flame or using a 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 emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in some recipes, such as those from Nigella she may suggest cooking the pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British term for stove top. If you're not familiar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a cooktop or range.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed settings which control the oven's heating element and fan according to your recipe. They are designed to allow you to cook food more efficiently and effectively while preserving the taste and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food items. There is also a fan-assisted mode which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, allowing more uniform and faster heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to choose from, and it's important to know the various features to determine which one is best suited to your requirements.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal for baking, grilling and roasting. It is especially useful for pizzas and pies that require a quick crisp, crisp finish. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food an amazing char. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables, and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the bottom rack of the oven, so make certain to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking, proofing bread and pastries and much other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavor.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are perfect for making healthy and nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked items and even custards. This feature can be activated by placing water into the oven's reservoir and then turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is important to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. It is important to consider features such as self-cleaning and intelligent capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a popular choice and can be found in all kitchens. They are easy to use because they have rings around the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on and emits heat. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. However, they may take longer to heat up than electric and can be difficult to clean if they are coated with a residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They are also cool to the point of contact, making them safer for children, and are relatively fast to warm up. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and can be slow to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones that are placed on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They are sleek and have a modern look that will complement the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean because they contain multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they could leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be placed on top of a stove, or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to accommodate a huge dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it may be worth getting an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is in line with all safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and supplies you require prior to beginning the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle an electric hob or oven.

The first step of putting in a new stove 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 then remove them carefully. Once the appliance has been removed, the space where the new one is installed must be free of any obstructions. Next the junction box must be installed and connected to the electrical supply via conduit. This should be done in accordance with manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections have been made then the oven and the hob can be lifted into place. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to confirm that it is working correctly.

If you're planning to install a gas hob and oven, it's best to engage a professional to do the task. Gas installation isn't quite as easy as plugging in a new electric oven and requires the services of a CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also recommended to purchase a cooker hood installed in case you don't have one, as it will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.