What Experts Say You Should Know

How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for an oven or hob that is new, we've got the dimensions and features to fit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs can be simple to use and are durable. They are made of metal with a sealed surface that heats your cookware. They are suitable for flat-based products and may be cost-effective to operate.

Origins

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

The first ovens were massive brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other meals since they were quite adept at controlling the heat to keep an even temperature, and could easily be shared between family members. The open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages They were dangerous because of the smoke and flames that could be seen from them, they used a lot fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces, with a chimney that closed off the fire to lessen the intensity and amount of smoke and make it easier to control. They were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often used in homes that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen area with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

By the mid-19th Century, European ovens were a popular feature in kitchens. This was partly because the oven was essential, since it was much safer and more efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. However, it is believed that the advent of the oven was correlated with the changes in cooking methods and recipes, which resulted in more emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella, she will recommend placing the pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading because hob is actually an actual British word for stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it can be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed options that regulate how the oven's heating elements and fan operate depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor and texture.

The majority of ovens have a traditional mode that heats from the top and bottom to bake or roast food. There is also a fan-assisted option that makes use of an integrated fan to circulate the air around the oven, which allows for an even and faster heating. There are many options available for oven and hob functions. It is essential to know the differences to determine which one is best ovens and hobs for you.

A fan-assisted oven function is ideal for cooking 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 useful for pizzas and pie that require a quick crisp, clean finish. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can save up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens have grilling functions that combine the heat from the bottom of the oven with that from the top, giving your food an amazing char. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and can be marked by straight lines and zigzag lines, like Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make sure to pay attention to the oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

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

There are ovens that come with steam functions, which are perfect for creating healthy, nutritious meals. It provides a low level of moisture to your food, which preserves tenderness and adds an exquisite, rich flavor to vegetables, poultry baked goods, baked goods, and even custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the reservoir of your oven and then turning it on. Certain models can adjust the amount of steam depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many types of oven and hob on the market with a range of styles, from traditional gas models to modern electric models. Picking the one that best suits your needs and style can make a big difference to how it is easy to cook in your home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart capabilities too.

Gas ovens are a common choice and can be found in most kitchens. They usually come with burners with rings as well as an grate that the pans sit on which emits heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, meaning they can reduce your energy bills. They may take longer to heat up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean, due to residue.

Electric hobs come in a range of designs including induction and ceramic. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only heats up when you place the pot on it. They are also cool to the touch, which makes them safer for children, and are relatively fast to heat up. They are also slow to cool off and don't warm up evenly.

Plate hobs, which are also a kitchen staple, feature an array of cooking zones that are all electric on an even surface. They sit on top of the cabinets in your kitchen. They have a sleek, modern look that will complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating and can leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned properly.

Built-in single ovens are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed under a hob or at eye level in a built-in unit. 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 extra features such as grill or steam functions.

Installation

If you're planning on installing a brand new oven or replacing one you have, it's worth hiring an electrician to manage the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and your new appliance is safe for use. A licensed electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in accordance with all applicable safety codes.

You'll need all the tools and equipment you need before you begin the installation of your brand new electric hob and oven with hob. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. Check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can handle a new electric hob and oven.

To install an oven or hob that is new first, you must remove the old ones. To do this, locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance has been removed, the area in which the new one will be installed must be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box should be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. This must be done in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and any relevant local regulations.

Once electrical connections are completed, the oven and hob can be moved into position. The fitter will utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it and ensure it is flush with your work surface. The fitter will test the hob to ensure that it's operating 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 as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven and requires the services of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. It's also an excellent idea to get a cooker hood installed if you don't already have one as it will help to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.