What Experts Say You Should Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

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

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs and ovens have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food for households across the world. Generally they are fueled by gas or electricity with models that use bottle gas that are sold in certain stores, although ovens may also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded with a hob where food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a stove has burners that can be turned on and off and off, while an oven has an enclosure that allows food to be heated in the centre.

The first ovens were huge brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used to bake bread, cook meat, and for cooking other foods because they held heat well and maintained a consistent temperature. They could also be easily shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and cooking.

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

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

It is worth noting that in certain recipes, such as those from Nigella, she will recommend cooking a pot "on the hob" however this could be misleading because a hob is actually a British term for stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

Oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that regulate how the oven's heating elements and the fan function based on the recipe you're making. They are designed to make cooking food simpler and more efficient while maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens typically have a conventional 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, which allows for a more even and quicker heating. There are many different types of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's crucial to be aware of the different features to find out which one is best suited to your requirements.

A fan-assisted oven function is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. It warms up the oven more evenly than conventional ovens and is ideal 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 it can cut down up to 40% in cooking time.

Some ovens hobs have grilling features that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with the top to give your meals an amazing char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked by zigzags and straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually used on the lower rack of the oven, so be careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

There are ovens with a Steam function which is ideal for creating healthy, nutritious foods. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which helps preserve the tenderness of the food and imparts a delicate, rich taste to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked items and even custards. This feature can be activated by pouring water in the reservoir of your oven, and turning it on. Some models will even adjust the amount of steam according to the temperature you select.

Types

There are a variety of ovens and hobs available on the market that range from traditional gas to modern electric models. Choosing one that meets your requirements and preferences can make a huge difference in how easy it is to cook in your home. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a common option and are suitable for the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use as they come with rings on the burners and a grate where pans rest that emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to warm up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean up with residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs may be slightly more expensive to purchase however they are considered to be energy efficient since the hob only produces heat when you place a pan on it. They are also safe for children and heat up quite quickly. However, they may not always heat the pan evenly and may take a while to cool down.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern appearance that looks sleek and complement most kitchens. They are difficult to clean as they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not properly cleaned they may leave burn marks.

Built-in single ovens are the most common kind of oven, and can be placed under a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They can be large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. There are also ovens with extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to install a new oven for you or to replace an old one. 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 ensure your installation is in compliance with all safety codes.

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

The first step of installing a new hob and oven is to take out any old appliances. Find the screws or bolts holding the old appliance and take them off them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleared of any obstructions. The junction box needs to be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is essential to follow the instructions of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once electrical connections are established and the oven or hob is connected, it can then be lowered in the desired position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob in order to fix it and ensure that it's level with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob and ensure that it's functioning properly.

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