How to Choose the Right oven hob and Hob for Your Kitchen

Whether you're looking for a new oven or hob we've got a range of sizes and styles, features and designs to suit your kitchen.

Solid plate hobs are easy to use and are durable. They have metal plates with sealed surfaces that heat your cookware. They're great for flat-based dishes and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are kitchen appliances used to roast and bake food in homes across the world. They typically are powered by electricity or gas with models that use bottle gas that are available in certain markets but ovens can also make use of other fuels, such as wood or charcoal. In many homes, an oven is surrounded by a stove where food can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on or off. An oven is a closed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first best ovens and hobs were huge brick and mud constructions that had a fire for heating food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and for cooking other foods since they were able to hold heat and maintained a consistent 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 smoke and flames that could be seen from them as well as the use of a lot of fuel (wood) and they were difficult to control the heat and the cooking process.

The solution was found in ovens that resembled fireplaces with a chimney which shut off the fire to reduce its intensity and smoke and make it easier to manage. They were very popular during the 16th and 17th centuries and were often found in household that were wealthy enough to have a separate kitchen with a chimney, as well as having more than one fireplace and oven.

In the late 19th century, European ovens were a common feature in kitchens. It was partly due to the fact that the oven was a necessity. It was more secure and efficient to cook over an open flame or in a cauldron. It is believed that the growth and use of ovens coincided with changes in cooking styles and recipes, which led to a greater emphasis on meat and casseroles.

In some recipes, like those made by Nigella she might suggest leaving a pan "on the hob". However this could be confusing because a hob used in British English is an oven. If you're unfamiliar with British terminology it is possible that the North American equivalent would be a range or cooktop.

Functions

The oven functions, also known as cooking modes, are preprogrammed options that control the oven's heating element as well as fan depending on your recipe. They are designed to make cooking food more simple and more efficient while maintaining the flavor 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 utilizes a built-in fan in order to circulate air around the oven to ensure better even and faster 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 oven uk for your requirements.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal for cooking a wide variety of meals. It can heat the oven more evenly than a traditional oven, and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's especially useful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pie. The Fan-Assisted setting is marked by a zigzag on the top and a straight line at the bottom of a square, and it can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some best ovens and hobs come with a grilling feature that combines heat from the top and bottom of the oven, giving your food a delicious char. It's great for kebabs made of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines similar to Fan-Assisted. This is usually used on the lower shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

There are additional oven functions that include proofing of pastry and bread slow cooking, proofing, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled atmosphere to aid in the rise of dough. It also helps your food to develop wonderful flavours.

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

Types

There are a variety of oven and hob on the market that range from traditional gas models to modern electric models. It is essential to choose the oven and hob that meets your requirements. Consider features like self-cleaning or smart features.

Gas ovens are a common option and work well in the majority of kitchens. They are simple to use since they have rings around the burners and an grate on which pans rest which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and provide precise temperature control. This could help you cut your utility bills. However, they can take longer to heat up than electric ones and are difficult to clean if they are covered in a layer of residue.

Electric hobs are available in a range of designs including ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, but they are more energy efficient as the hob only is heated when you put the pot on it. They also stay cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fairly fast to heat up. However, they may not always heat the pan uniformly and can take a long time to cool down.

Plate hobs are another stalwart of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones on an even surface that is placed under your kitchen units. They have a sleek modern design that look sleek and complement most kitchens. They can be difficult to clean since they have multiple cooking zones that have uneven heating, and may leave burn marks on the surface if they are not properly cleaned.

Built-in single ovens 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. When choosing an oven, take into consideration the size of your family. They are usually large enough to hold a big meal and are available in various sizes. They can also be found with additional options such as the grill or steam function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install an oven that is new for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is properly installed and that your new appliance is safe to use. An electrician who is certified will be able to adhere to local regulations and ensure that the installation is in line with all relevant safety regulations.

You'll require all the tools and materials that you require before beginning the installation process of your new electric hob and oven. Wire nuts, a screwdriver and electrical tape are among the tools you'll require. It's also important to check the electrical supply in your home and make sure it can handle the load of a new electric oven and hob.

To put in a new oven and hob first, you need to take them out of the old ones. To accomplish this, locate the screws or bolts that hold the old appliance and remove them with care. After the old appliance has been removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. The junction box needs to be erected, as well as the conduit connected to the electrical supply. It is crucial to follow the guidelines of the manufacturer and any local regulations.

After electrical connections have been established after which the oven or hob is then lowered into place. The fitter will then use the clips that came with the hob to hold it in place and ensure that it's in line with the worktop. Finally, the fitter will test the hob and make sure that it's working correctly.

If you're installing a gas hob and oven, it's a good idea to hire a professional for the job. Gas installation isn't as easy as connecting an electric oven. A CORGI registered engineer must connect the pipework. Installing cooker hoods is an option to consider in the event that you don't already have one. This will help ventilate your kitchen and is required under Part F of Building Regulations.