How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a wide range of sizes, styles and features that will fit in with any kitchen.

The majority of them are simple to use and hard-wearing, solid plate hobs have sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are economical to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food for households across the world. In general, they are powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in specific markets. However ovens can also powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In many homes the oven is located by a stove which is where food can be cooked. The difference between a stove and an oven is that a stove has burners that are able to be turned on and off, whereas an oven has an enclosure where food is heated in the center.

The first ovens and hobs uk were massive brick and mud structures which contained a fire to cook food. They were used to bake bread, cook meat and other dishes as they were relatively good at keeping the heat at an even temperature, and were able to be shared between family members. However, open pits and furnaces had three major disadvantages - they were risky because of the open flame and smoke as well as the consumption of fuel (wood) and was difficult to control the cooking process and heat.

A solution was found using ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney that closed off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. These were popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were commonly found in households that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, and having more than one oven and fireplace.

In the late 19th century, European ovens had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly due to the fact that the oven became a necessity, as it was safer and more efficient to cook in an oven than over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the development and use of the oven coincided in part with the evolution of cooking techniques and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

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

Functions

Oven functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed choices that control the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while also maintaining flavour and texture.

Ovens are equipped with a traditional design that heats food from the top to the bottom. They also come with a fan-assisted option which makes use of a built-in fan to circulate air throughout the oven for better even and faster heating. There are many options for electric Oven oven and hob functions. It's important to know the distinctions to decide which one is right for you.

A fan-assisted oven feature is ideal for cooking a variety foods. It heats the oven more evenly than a conventional oven, and is perfect for baking, grilling, and roasting. It's particularly useful for dishes that need quick, crisp and fast-drying, such as pizza or pie. The setting for Fan-Assisted is marked by a zigzag on the top and straight lines at the bottom of the square, and it can save you up to 40% of cooking time.

Certain ovens come with grilling features that combine heat from the top and bottom of the oven to give your food a delicious charcoal. This is the perfect mode for kebabs of meat and vegetables and is marked with straight lines and zigzag lines, similar to Fan-Assisted. This type of oven is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to be aware of the temperature settings of your oven with hob to prevent overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking baking, proofing bread and pastries, and other things. They are typically programmed to create a warm, controlled environment to facilitate the rise of dough. It also helps your food develop amazing flavors.

Certain ovens uk have a steam function that is ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. Steam adds a delicate and rich flavour to baked goods, poultry, vegetables and custards. This function can be activated by placing water in the oven's reservoir, and turning it on. Some models even alter the amount of steam automatically in accordance with the temperature set.

Types

There are a variety of ovens uk and hobs on the market, ranging from traditional gas to modern electric models. It is essential to choose an oven and a hob that suits your needs. Think about features like self-cleaning or smart capabilities.

Gas ovens are suitable for many kitchens and are a common option. They usually have burners with rings as well as a grate on which pans rest on. They emit heat, which makes them simple to use. Gas hobs are also known to be energy efficient and have precise temperature control, which means they can cut down on your utility bills. They may take longer to warm up than electric hobs and may be more difficult to clean with the residue.

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

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, with an array of electric cooking zones on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They provide a stylish modern design that will look elegant and fit in with the majority of kitchens. They can be difficult to keep clean as they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may 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 kind of oven, and can be placed either underneath a hob or at eye level in an integrated unit. When selecting an oven, consider the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big dinner and come in a variety of sizes. You can also find them with additional features, such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

It could be worthwhile to hire an electrician to set up an oven that is new for you, or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and that your new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician will be able to follow local regulations and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all relevant safety codes.

Before you begin the process of fitting your new electric oven and hob you'll need all the required equipment and tools available. These include wire nuts an electric tape, screwdriver as well as an electrical circuit tester and conduit. It is also essential to examine the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can withstand the demands of a new electric oven (read this) and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you must take them out of the old ones. Find the bolts or screws holding the old appliance and remove them carefully. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it must be cleared of any obstructions. Then a junction box will need to be installed and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions as well as any relevant local regulations.

After electrical connections have been made, the oven and hob can be lowered into position. The fitter will then utilize the clips that came with the hob to secure it in place and make sure that it's flush with the worktop. The fitter will then test the hob to make sure it is functioning properly.

It is best to employ a professional to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as simple as plugging in a brand new electric oven and Electric Oven requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipes. Installing an oven hood is a good option for those who don't have one. It will allow you to ventilate your kitchen and is required by Part F of the Building Regulations.