How to Choose the Right Oven and Hob for Your Kitchen

We have a 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 feature sealed metal plates that cook your cookware. They're good for flat-based items and are cost-effective to run.

Origins

Ovens are used in kitchens around the world to bake and roast foods. They are typically powered by gas or electricity. Bottle gas models are available in some markets. However, ovens and hobs can also be powered by other fuels such as wood or charcoal. In a lot of homes, the oven is surrounded by a hob where food items can be cooked. Hobs are essentially a stove that can be turned on and off. An oven is a sealed enclosure which heats food in the middle.

The first ovens were large brick and mud constructions which contained a fire to cook food. They were used for baking bread, cooking meat, and cooking other meals because they held heat well and maintained a constant temperature. They were also able to be shared among family members. The open pits and ovens had three major flaws they were risky 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.

The solution was to make ovens look like fireplaces. They included a chimney to block off the fire, thus reducing the intensity and amount of smoke. This made it easier to manage. These were common in the 16th and 17th century. They were used 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 had evolved to be a regular element in kitchens of homes. This was partly because the oven was a necessity, as it was much more secure and efficient to cook food in an oven rather than on an open flame or in a cauldron. It is also believed that the invention and use of the oven was in part with changes in cooking methods and recipes, leading to a greater focus on meat and casseroles.

It is important to note that in certain recipes, like those from Nigella she may suggest cooking a pot "on the hob" but this can be misleading because a hob is actually a British word that refers to stove top. The North American equivalent is a range or cooktop, so it could be confusing if you are not familiar with the British terminology.

Functions

The oven's functions, or cooking modes, are pre-programmed settings that regulate the way in which the oven's heating elements as well as the fan work based on the recipe. They are designed to help you cook food more efficiently and effectively while also preserving the flavor 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 that uses an integrated fan to circulate air around the oven, allowing an even and faster heating. There are a variety of ovens and hobs to pick from, and it's important to understand the different features to determine which one is best suited to your needs.

The fan-powered function of the oven is ideal to cook a variety of foods. It heats up the oven more evenly than traditional ovens and is ideal for grilling, baking, and roasting. It's particularly helpful for dishes that require a fast, crisp finish like pizzas or pies. The Fan-Assisted setting comes with an angled top and a line at the bottom. It can cut down up to 40% of cooking time.

Some ovens have grilling features that combine heat from the bottom and top of the oven to give your food the perfect charcoal. It's great for kebabs of meat or vegetables and can be marked with zigzags or straight lines like Fan-Assisted. This mode is typically found on the bottom shelf of the oven. Be sure to check the temperature settings of your oven to avoid overcooking.

Other oven functions include slow cooking making bread and pastries, proofing them, and other things. These are often pre-programmed to create a warm and controlled environment that will facilitate the rising of dough and allow your food to develop wonderful flavours.

Some ovens come with steam functions that are ideal for creating healthy and nutritious food. It offers a moderate amount of moisture to your food, which helps preserve tenderness and adds a delicate, rich flavour to vegetables, poultry baked items, and even custards. Utilizing this feature is as easy as pouring water into the reservoir inside your oven, then turning it on, with certain models even automatically altering the amount of steam depending on the temperature that is selected.

Types

There are many kinds of ovens and hobs available that are available, ranging from traditional gas 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 at home. It is worth considering features like self-cleaning and smart functions too.

Gas ovens are a great fit in many kitchens and are a very popular option. They are simple to use since they have rings on the burners as well as the grate that pans sit on which emits heat. Gas hobs are also energy efficient and offer precise temperature control. This could help you lower your energy bills. They can take longer to heat up than electric hobs and can be more difficult to clean with the residue.

Electric hobs are available in a variety of different styles that include ceramic and induction. Induction hobs are a bit more expensive, however they are energy efficient because the hob only gets hot when you put the pot on it. They also remain cool to the touch, making them more child-safe, and are fast to warm up. They are also slow to cool off and do not get hot enough evenly.

Plate hobs are a classic of the kitchen, featuring an array of cooking zones, all on flat surfaces that are placed beneath your kitchen units. They have a sleek, modern design that can be a perfect match for the majority of kitchens. They are difficult to clean since they have multiple zones of uneven heating. If not cleaned properly they could leave burn marks.

The most popular model is the built-in single oven. They can be set up under a hob or at eye-level in an built-in cabinet. They are typically large enough to hold a large meal and can come in various sizes, so be sure to consider your family size when choosing an oven. There are also ovens with extra features such as a steam or grill function.

Installation

It may be worth hiring an electrician to install a new oven for you or replace an old one. This will ensure that the electrical circuit is correctly installed and the new oven is safe to use. A qualified electrician can follow local regulations to make sure that your installation is compliant with all safety codes.

You'll require all the tools and supplies that you require before beginning the installation of your new electric oven and hob. This includes wire nuts, electrical tape, a screwdriver and a tester for electrical circuits and conduit. It's also important to test the electrical supply at your home and make sure it can handle the load of a brand new electric oven and hob.

To install an oven and hob that are new first, you need to take them out of the old ones. Locate the bolts or screws that hold the old appliance and take them off them with care. After the old appliance is removed from the area it should be cleaned and free of obstructions. Then a junction box needs to be mounted and connected to the electrical supply with conduit. This must be done in accordance with instructions of the manufacturer and any applicable local regulations.

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

It is best to employ an expert to install a gas hob and oven. Gas installation isn't as straightforward as plugging in an electric oven, and requires the assistance of an CORGI registered engineer to connect the pipework. Installing an oven hood 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.