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How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We offer a variety of sizes, styles and features to suit any 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. These are good for flat-based cookware and can be cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to bake and roast food in households around the world. They typically are powered by gas or electricity with gas bottles that are sold in certain stores but ovens can additionally use other fuels like charcoal or wood. In many homes the oven is enclosed by a hob on which food can be cooked. The distinction between a hob and an oven is that a hob has burners that are able to be switched off and on, whereas an oven with hob has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. These ovens were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and other dishes because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They could also be shared among family members. Open pits and ovens had three major disadvantages they were risky due to the open flames and smoke as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood), they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

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

By the middle of the 19th century, European ovens had evolved to become a common feature in home kitchens. This was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook with an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of ovens coincided with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater emphasis on casseroles and meat.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those of Nigella she suggests cooking a pot "on the hob", but this can be misleading as hob is actually an actual British word that refers to stove top. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology, the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also referred to as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element and fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food easier and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens come with a traditional mode that cooks food from the top to the bottom. There is also a fan-assisted option which makes use of an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing for a more even and quicker heating. There are a myriad of types of oven and hob functions to pick from, and it's important to know the various features to find out the ones that are best hobs for your needs.

The fan-assisted function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of foods. It can heat the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is ideal for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need an immediate, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting has a zigzag on top and a line on the bottom. It can help save up to 40 percent of cooking time.

Some ovens have a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious charcoal. It's perfect for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be identified with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is usually utilized on the lower rack of the oven, so make careful to observe your oven's temperature settings to prevent overcooking.

There are also other oven functions that include bread and pastry proofing slow cooking, baking and much more. They are typically preprogrammed to create a controlled, warm environment to help rise dough and develop flavors.

Certain ovens have steam functions that are ideal for creating 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 poultry, vegetables baked items as well as custards. This function can be activated by simply placing water into the reservoir of your oven with hob, and turning it on. Some models will even alter the amount of steam automatically depending on the temperature selected.

Types

There are many kinds of oven and hob that are available, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is crucial to select an oven and hob that suits your needs. Look into features such as self-cleaning capabilities or smart functions.

Gas ovens are a very popular option and are suitable for most kitchens. They typically come with burners that have rings and a grate on which pans rest on which emits heat, making them easy to use. Gas hobs and ovens also tend to be energy efficient and offer precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility costs. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and are difficult to clean if they are left with residues.

Electric hobs come in a variety of styles including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs can be a little more expensive but they are more energy efficient as the hob only gets hot when you put an item on it. They are also safe for children and heat up relatively quickly. They can also be slow to cool off and do not heat up evenly.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of electric cooking zones, all on a flat surface that sits under your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern look that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They aren't easy to keep clean, as they have multiple cooking zones with uneven heating. They can also leave burn marks on the surface if they are not cleaned in a timely manner.

Single ovens that are built-in are the most commonly used type of oven and they can be installed either under a stove or at eye level in an integrated unit. They are often big enough to accommodate a big meal and can come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to take into consideration your family's size when you choose an oven. They can also be found with additional options, such as an oven with a grill or a steam function.

Installation

If you're planning to install a new oven or replacing an existing one it's worth hiring an electrician to handle the installation for you. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly set up and that your new appliance is safe to use. A licensed electrician can follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

Before beginning the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need to have all the required equipment and tools in your kitchen. This includes wire nuts, a screwdriver, electrical tape and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home to ensure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven and hob.

In order to install a new oven and hob, you must first take them out of the old ones. To do this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and carefully remove them. After the appliance is removed, the space where the new one is installed should be clean and free of obstructions. The junction box must be mounted, and the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is important to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer as well as any local regulations.

Once the electrical connections are completed then the oven and the hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then make use of the clips supplied with the hob to fix it in place and ensure that it is flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is working correctly.

If you're installing a gas oven and hob (Full Write-up) it's a good idea to employ a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a new electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI certified engineer to connect the pipes. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider for those who don't have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen, and is required by Part F of Building Regulations.